Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851, G Clifton
General Editor: Gerard L'E. Originally published in 1995, this edition was printed in 1996. This book is an essential reference book as it is the most accurate source for data on the makers, working addresses, dates, apprentices, partnerships, etc. It contains thousands of names from the very famous to the obscure. A true understanding of the development of scientific knowledge, and of its application to manufacturing and commerce, depends on an appreciation of the role of the makers of scientific apparatus and precision measuring instruments.
It includes chemical, mathematical, nautical, optical and philosophical makers, as well as specialists such as balance, barometer, compass, rule, and telescope makers. There are also a hundred illustrations of makers' advertisements and engraved signatures. Each entry includes estimated working dates, specific trades, addresses, training, apprentices, partners, types of instruments made, and brief biographical details, where known.
There are also indexes of names and towns. The volume is based on a computer database maintained at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, much of it compiled from new research in original sources. The Directory transforms our understanding of the history of the scientific instrument-making trades in Britain, revealing that they involved far larger numbers than has previously been appreciated.It will be an essential tool for collectors, dealers, museum curators, scholars, and anyone who is interested in the history of science and technology. It will also have much to offer economic, social and family historians, with its evidence about master-apprentice links, trade connections and family relationships. The authoritative and comprehensive source of information about instrument makers. Becoming increasing hard to find copies in good condition. This example is in excellent clean condition.
The dust jacket does have minor wear to its edges. Please see the attached photographs of the item under offer.This Directory is based on a research project started in 1984 and the results till 1995 are given in this Directory in a concise and logical manner. Since that time much more information has come to light and must have been inserted in the database, which can unfortunately not been accessed by outsiders. We have to live with the present book since no other Directory of this quality has lately been published. It is therefore welcomed to issue an addendum with the latest information or to present an updated edition. After now already 17 years it remains a valuable book.