1750 · London
by STUKELEY, William
Two parts in one. 8vo. 61; 32 pp. Separate title to each part. Woodcut tailpieces. Contemporary calf, boards outlined in
gilt, spine in compartments with small
morocco label. A fine copy with contemporary notes on the paste-down.
Second edition, printed the
same year as the first. London had been
shaken by an earthquake in 1750 and
here Stukeley attempts to explain that
the event was caused by electricity. Based
upon studies made and published by Benjamin Franklin, who is mentioned (p. 24),
it is the natural conclusion that earthquakes ensue from the contact of atmospheric electricity with the earth. References are made to famous earthquakes in
history and the resulting damages. Of significance is the overlap between the
natural causes of earthquakes and the religious sense of the judgment of God
playing a role in these events.
Stukeley (1687-1735) was a physician and clergyman. He became
very interested in early archaeology and studied the monuments at Stonehenge and Avebury. He published over twenty books on archaeology. A
member of the Royal Society, he was close friends with Newton; his memoir
of Newton's life is possibly the earliest reference to the falling apple.
Adams, Birth and Development of the Geological Sciences, pp. 411-414;
Geikie, Founders of Geology, pp. 272-273; Ward & Carozzi, 2134. (Inventory #: 19126)
gilt, spine in compartments with small
morocco label. A fine copy with contemporary notes on the paste-down.
Second edition, printed the
same year as the first. London had been
shaken by an earthquake in 1750 and
here Stukeley attempts to explain that
the event was caused by electricity. Based
upon studies made and published by Benjamin Franklin, who is mentioned (p. 24),
it is the natural conclusion that earthquakes ensue from the contact of atmospheric electricity with the earth. References are made to famous earthquakes in
history and the resulting damages. Of significance is the overlap between the
natural causes of earthquakes and the religious sense of the judgment of God
playing a role in these events.
Stukeley (1687-1735) was a physician and clergyman. He became
very interested in early archaeology and studied the monuments at Stonehenge and Avebury. He published over twenty books on archaeology. A
member of the Royal Society, he was close friends with Newton; his memoir
of Newton's life is possibly the earliest reference to the falling apple.
Adams, Birth and Development of the Geological Sciences, pp. 411-414;
Geikie, Founders of Geology, pp. 272-273; Ward & Carozzi, 2134. (Inventory #: 19126)