[ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT VOLUME OF MATHEMATICAL, SAILING, AND NAVIGATION EXERCISES, DESIGNED TO TEACH ADVANCED SHIP NAVIGATION].
[Navigational Mathematics]: Hewitt, Jr., Shamgar:
[Philadelphia? 1810. [76]pp. manuscript. Small folio. Gathered signatures, loosely laid into original stiff paper wrappers, paper label on front wrapper. Wrappers worn and soiled. A bit of light tanning, foxing, and offsetting in the text, but overall in very good condition. A very nice example of an early nineteenth century notebook of exercises designed for advanced navigational students. The volume begins with lessons in geometry and trigonometry, before moving on to extensive and detailed lessons in plane, traverse, and parallel sailing; "Mercator sailing," middle latitude sailing, and much more. Each lesson consists of several case studies and examples, and exercises, often enhanced by Hewitt's geometric diagrams. The front wrapper carries a partially printed label showing that this originally blank notebook was sold by Bennett & Walton of Philadelphia. Hewitt has written his name on the label, as well as on an interior page dated March 24, 1810. A fine example of an early nineteenth century navigational exercise book, and a rare survival of such a text.
(Item ID: WRCAM39956) $850.00