18 volumes, 4to (265 x 210 mm). 266 engraved plates. (Spotting throughout.) 19th-century half calf, marbled boards, spines gilt, brown and black calf lettering-pieces gilt (spines darkened and brittle, several covers detached). Provenance: Bernard Cohen (1914-2003) Victor S. Thomas Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University (signature, vol. I).

 

Philosophical Transactions, first published in March 1665, is the first and longest running scientific journal in the world. These 18 volumes “consist of an invaluable collection of observations and discoveries made by the most eminent philosophers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries,” (Vol. I, Preface, [v]). The Royal Society of London,  based in the UK since 1600, serves a mission to promote excellence in the sciences. Contributions made by notable scientists in the Royal Society of London regarding their important discoveries include works by Henry Oldenburg was the first the Royal Society of London’s first secretary and launched Philosophical Transactions, whose topics include mathematics, physics, natural science, chemistry, biology, education, and bibliography. Important contributions have been submitted by Robert Boyle, John Flamsteed, Edmond Halley, Robert Hooke, and Sir Isaac Newton.

 

[With:]

 

Two additional volumes of Philosophical Transactions, comprising: Volume 6. London: C. and R. Baldwin, 1809. 19th-Century calf gilt.  -- Volume 171, part 2. London: Harrison and Sons, 1880. Original publisher’s cloth (spine defective, covers detaching). Provenance: Royal Literary & Scientific Institution, Bath (stamped). Includes the dissertation on tides by George Howard Darwin (1845-1912), son of Charles Darwin (1809-1882).