Inventions
Inventions
First lottery in America... Electricity experiments...
Item #704602
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, April, 1745 A feature of this issue is a terrific, three page graphic representation of the: "Situation of his Majesty's Fleet & the Combined fleets of France and Spain in the Mediterranean...when Adm. Mathews made the Signal to engage the enemy..." showing the various positions of the ships (see photos). This is highly unus
... See More
Torture device illustrated... Madras, India...
Item #609768
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1747 One page has an interesting engraving of: "...a cruel machine...supposed to be made use of by the rebels to extort confession..." with the text going on to describe its use (see). Another page has a print of: "...a Stone found in Cast Steeds Garden..." with an inscription (see).
Another page is taken up with: "A Suc
... See More
Another page is taken up with: "A Suc
Anti-Jacobite Creed... The importance of Nova Scotia...
Item #659531
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1748 The issue begins with an: "Extract of a Letter Giving an Account of a Survey of the N. West Coast of England..." with a small print on page 2 (see). Also in this issue: "Of the Invention of Shorthand" with a full page of characters of words (see); "An Anti-Jacobite's Creed, Alluding to Indiscriminate Charges in ... See More
Day of thanksgiving in Boston... an abacus... music writing machine....
Item #682411
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1748 Interesting articles: "Invention of Writing Music by Playing It" with two small illustrations; "Articles For a General Peace" "Introduction to Heraldry" "A Religious Tax Proposed" "Proclamation Against Commerce with France".There is also content regarding the war in America & p... See More
Jamaica Anthelmia...
Item #619610
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, December, 1751 Over two pages are taken up with: "An Account of the Incas or Emperors of Peru..." with a related plate of them in the November issue.
Over a page is on: "Account of the Anthelmia..." plant from Jamaica, which is accompanied by a full page plate of it as well as other items (see photos).
Other items in t
... See More
Over a page is on: "Account of the Anthelmia..." plant from Jamaica, which is accompanied by a full page plate of it as well as other items (see photos).
Other items in t
Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod experiment...
Item #704721
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1752 Inside has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily constructed, for making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this experiment works. Each piece of the illustration is identified as well. A great and early conte
... See More
Detecting conterfeit gold... a King's patent woodcut...
Item #591472
December 01, 1757
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, London, December 1, 1757 Within this issue is an ad for an instrument which helps detect fraudulent/counterfeit gold, which includes a nice illustrated woodcut of the patent for the device: "Bradford Darby & Hull's - by The Kings Patent". News of the day with reports from throughout the world along with period advertising are present throughout.&... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #615582
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" , and more.The most significant c... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #678064
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 * No compromise w/ England
* American Revolutionary War
Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping o... See More
Washington at Morristown... Action in the South...
Item #657753
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780 The first article has "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure fr... See More
Concerns for political troubles in creating a new government...
Item #650328
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1784 Among the articles are: "Ancient Customs Elucidated--The Feast of Yule" "History of the Race of Gypsies Further Illustrated" which takes nearly 3 pages; "An Account of the Experiments Made by the Aerostatic Machine of M.M. Montgolfier" the famous balloonist (see); and more.
There is over half a page on the Q... See More
Cabinet positions in Washington's new government include John Jay as first Chief Justice...
Item #682219
November 01, 1789
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1789 Near the back is a report headed: "America" which details the power of the Executive Dept. of the new federal government, including: "The Executive Power, which forms one of the branches of ours new Government...to fill the different departments are appointed as follows: Mr. Jefferson, Secretary of State; General Knox, Secre... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
Early Australia... Capt. William Bligh...
Item #691023
July 24, 1795
KENTISH GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, July 24, 1795
* Penal Colony, Botany Bay, Australia
* Captain William Bligh in West Indies
A handsome issue of the 18th century, with two decorative embellishments in the masthead & ornate lettering in the title.
Page 2 has: "'Botany Bay" which is a letter which is descriptive of the what would become known as Australia. it note... See More
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #684602
June 13, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 13, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
Page 2 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: &quo... See More
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #684606
June 17, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 17, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
The back page has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given t... See More
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #688479
June 17, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 17, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
Page 4 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: &quo... See More
Three documents signed by the President, George Washington...
Item #688473
June 22, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 22, 1796
* President George Washington
* Three documents signed in type
Page 2 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged th... See More
First issue of a very rare American title...
Item #689734
THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE, AND AMERICAN REVIEW, (New York), April, 1799 * Volume 1 No. 1
We find it quite difficult to find any 18th century American magazines, let alone one this scarce, it lasting from just April, 1799 (making this vol. 1 #1) to December, 1800 for a total of just 21 issues published.
Among the articles within are: "On the State of American Literature" & &qu... See More
Robert Fulton 1807 Invention....
Item #215318
July 23, 1807
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 23, 1807
* Robert Fulton invention
Page 2 has a report from New-York stating that the Governor, Sec. of War and others "...attended at Ft. Jay, when Mr. Fulton exhibited and explained the principles of his machinery for blowing up ships..." plus a few details about the experiment to be conducted the next day. Other news of the day in
... See More
* Robert Fulton invention
Page 2 has a report from New-York stating that the Governor, Sec. of War and others "...attended at Ft. Jay, when Mr. Fulton exhibited and explained the principles of his machinery for blowing up ships..." plus a few details about the experiment to be conducted the next day. Other news of the day in
An early life preserver...
Item #622018
March 02, 1816
NEW YORK SPECTATOR, March 2, 1816 Page 3 has an interesting article of a new devise called a: "Life-Saving Mattress" with a prefacing note that it is: "...not only for all the uses of a common mattress, but also for the preservation of life in cases of shipwreck.", followed by: "A Description of the Patent Life-Saving Mattress" (see).
Four pages, nice condition... See More
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin...
Item #689390
May 23, 1818
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 23, 1818
* Inventor Eli Whitney
* Cotton Gin invention
An extremely significant back page report is headed: "Labor Saving Machinery" which notes: "There is now annually raised...with Mr. Whitney's machine, about one hundred millions of pounds of short staple cotton. To pick that quality by hand...before his invention would ... See More
1827 Fire Engines....
Item #212985
September 24, 1827
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Sept. 24, 1827.
* 1827 Fire Engines
* Hartford Connecticut
Page 2 has a report from a Windsor, (Vt.) Journal: Coopers Patent Rotative Fire Engine. Other news of the day includes: "Counterfeit Notes" "Destructive Fire" "The Frigate Hussar" and more. Several interesting advertisements as well. 4 pages in nice condition.
... See More
* 1827 Fire Engines
* Hartford Connecticut
Page 2 has a report from a Windsor, (Vt.) Journal: Coopers Patent Rotative Fire Engine. Other news of the day includes: "Counterfeit Notes" "Destructive Fire" "The Frigate Hussar" and more. Several interesting advertisements as well. 4 pages in nice condition.
1829 Kitchen Stove Advertisement...
Item #200015
July 20, 1829
COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER, N.Y., July 20, 1829 Has many ads, including one on pg. 3 for "Moodys Patent Portable Ovens". Includes a woodcut of an oven used with a charcoal furnace. The oven emitted very little heat and could be used in the home or "out of doors". A bit uneven at the spine.
Item #150297
February 03, 1840
BAY STATE DEMOCRAT, Boston, February 3, 1840 A ftpg. business ad for "Patent Balances And Scales" gives details about the business. Includes two small woodcuts of scales and one of a balance. Fold creases, o/w generally good.
Patent for Balances And Scales (with image)...
Item #150999
February 15, 1840
BAY STATE DEMOCRAT, Boston, Feb. 15, 1840 Issue has numerous ads, including one on the ftpg. for "Patent Balances And Scales" which has three small illustrations of scales or balances. Good condition. Note: The images shown are stock photos of a similar issue to show the look, condition, masthead, and actual balance/scales image you will receive.
Submarine Telescope in 1843...
Item #219395
December 21, 1843
PENNSYLVANIA INQUIRER AND NATIONAL GAZETTE, Dec. 21, 1843.
* Submarine Telescope invention
* Used for boat inspection
Page 2 has an interesting report about The Sub-Marine Telescope which used a camphine lamp placed in a glass globe, and sunk in the water. This allowed a person on the deck of a boat to examine the hull, plus other details. Says the instrument was invented by Sara
... See More
* Submarine Telescope invention
* Used for boat inspection
Page 2 has an interesting report about The Sub-Marine Telescope which used a camphine lamp placed in a glass globe, and sunk in the water. This allowed a person on the deck of a boat to examine the hull, plus other details. Says the instrument was invented by Sara
Morse's telegraph... Millerites driven insane in Vermont...
Item #684795
November 14, 1844
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, Nov. 14, 1844
* William Millerites - Millerism
* Samuel Morse telegraph success
The front page has a brief yet intriguing article: "More Of Millerism" which reports: "Mr. Addison Davis...says that 26 persons are now in the insane asylum at Brattleboro, Vermont, in consequence of insanity produced by the influence of Millerism."
... See More
On the 1846 discovery of the planet Neptune...
Item #691609
April 15, 1847
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D. C., April 15, 1847
* re. the discovery of the planet Neptune
* French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier
Page 3 has 2 1/2 columns taken up with much detail--very scientific--concerning the recent discovery of the new planet known as Neptune. Credit is given to Urbain Le Verrier but much work was done by others as well.
This is no typical 2-para... See More
General Tom Thumb...
Item #548438
October 08, 1847
EVENING POST, New York, October 8, 1847
* General Tom Thumb - "On Display"
Page 2 has a report: "Gen. Tom Thumb continues to attract crowds at the Museum. Every Levee is fully attended, although he holds five distinct ones every day....Everybody who has seen him will want to see him again..." and a bit more.
Other news of the day includes: "Laws of New York" "... See More
Early electricity speed study...
Item #599660
October 21, 1848
THE HOME JOURNAL, New York City, October 21, 1848
* Early electricity
* Speed experiments
Mostly literary content with short stories & poems, this title also has some news articles as well.
Page 4 has a small one column heading: "Velocity Of Electricity" See images for text here.
Complete in 4 pages, nice condition.... See More
The safety pin is invented...
Item #606356
April 21, 1849
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, April 21, 1849
* Walter Hunt invention
* Safety pin - patent no. 6,281
It's alway fun to find the origin of things which have become ubiquitous in every day life, such as the safety pin. This issue of the revered scientific journal note under: "List of Patents Issued from the United States Patent Office" an entry which was for the creation ... See More
Pneumatic pile driving...
Item #620323
February 09, 1850
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, February 9, 1850 The front cover has "Potts' Pneumatic Pile Driving for Forming Foundations, for Piers, Embankments, &" and "Allen's Alphabetical Spelling, Reading and Arithmetical Table". Inside the issue is Improvements in Apparatus for Making Mould Candles"; "Shark's Tooth found in Pease Creek, East Florida"... See More
Yacht 'America' wins the first 'America's Cup', hence the name... Cricket...
Item #695443
October 04, 1851
GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Oct. 4, 1851 Inside has a nice half-page print captioned: "The Celebrated Yacht America" being the vessel which won the now-famous international yacht race the very first year it was held, hence the name "America's Cup".
This race remains yacht racing's most coveted prize to this day. There is a detailed description of the ya... See More
Erricsson's Caloric Engine...
Item #644250
November 08, 1851
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 8, 1851 The front page has two illustrations of a "Steam Engine Regulator". Inside the issue are illustrations of "Erricsson's Caloric Engine" and "A Cheap Cottage". Also inside is the ruling of an infringement of patent case dealing with the McCormick's Reaper. Additional articles and advertisements are within as ... See More
Inventor's & Inventions Collection I
The Late 1800's Set
Item #180180
Inventors & Inventions Collection I The Late 1800s Set - Each set contains 5 issues of The Scientific American Magazine, one each from 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s and 1890s. Follow scientific and technological progress through the 2nd half of the 1800s. Many inventions seemed like great idea at the time, but An interesting look at both the accomplishments and failures of over 100 years ago.
The Starrucca Viaduct, still in use today...
Item #614118
February 07, 1852
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 7, 1852
* Starrucca Viaduct print
* Lanesboro, Pennsylvania
The front page features a nice engraving of: "Starrucca Viaduct, on the New York and Erie Railroad". At the time of its construction, the bridge was thought to be the most expensive railway bridge in the world, at a cost of $320,000 (equal to $8,722,462 today). It was the largest ... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Item #669878
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 22, 1853 * Published by P. T. Barnum
Among the prints are: "Captain Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "Floating Mortar" "Astor Place Opera House" "Ball of the New York Fire Department..." "The Seals of Jerusalem" a nice town view of: "Concord, New Hampshire with 5 smaller... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Item #647597
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 22, 1853 * Published by P. T. Barnum
Among the prints are: "Captain Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "Floating Mortar" "Astor Place Opera House" "Ball of the New York Fire Department..." "The Seals of Jerusalem" a nice town view of: "Concord, New Hampshire with 5 smaller... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum... Much on Franklin Pierce...
Item #698181
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 12, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.Among the prints are: "Capt. Er... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum... Scenes in Concord, New Hampshire...
Item #689512
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 12, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.Among the prints are: "Capt. Er... See More
Early photography... Inauguration of Franklin Pierce...
Item #700954
March 12, 1853
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 12, 1853 An early issue of this famous scientific magazine, still published today.
Page 3 has; "Daguerrotyping" which is on early photography. Page 5 has: "The Inauguration" which reports on the inauguration of Franklin Pierce.
Various illustrations of the latest inventions & improvements of the day.
Eight pages, good condition.... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Early view of Sydney, Australia...
Item #642926
June 18, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Be... See More
Published by P. T. Barnum... Early view of Sydney, Australia...
Item #698866
June 18, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Be... See More
Very early sewing machine...
Item #565374
September 24, 1853
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Sept. 24, 1853 The front page has both an article and two illustrations on: "Miller's Sewing Machine" which was one of the earliest to be commercially developed (see photos). The text is very descriptive on how the machine works.
Complete in 8 pages, other scientific developments on the inside pages, some slight rubbing at folds, generall... See More
Early (1855) sewing machine...
Item #674674
December 01, 1855
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, December 1, 1855 This issue contains several illustrations and articles related to the latest inventions of the day. These illustrations include: "Cowperthwaite's Patent Sewing Machine", "Sawing A Log By Its Own Weight", "Combined Weather Strip and Lock" and more. See images for details.
Complete in 8 pages, some corner f... See More
New invention for separating gold...
Item #678932
March 15, 1856
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 15, 1856 The front page features a nice print of a: "Machine For Washing & Separating Gold" with a related article headed: "Addison's Improved Gold Separator". Perhaps not surprising that just a few years after the California gold rush that relating inventions would come to fruition.
The balance of the issue is filled with var... See More
Very early typewriter, with an illustration...
Item #646409
December 06, 1856
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Dec. 6, 1856 An inside page has a fascinating article and illustration of: "Cooper's Hand Printing Machine" with a descriptive article headed: "Hand Printing Machine". The "Virtual Antique Typewriter Museum" notes that this is a unique piece; only one example of this machine is known to exist. This may well be the earliest prin... See More
Dr. Livingstone... William Walker...
Item #172018
January 31, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 31, 1857 Early from the first year (issue #5) with relatively few illustrations, but including a nice one of; "Dr. Livingstone, the African Explorer". Also is an article "Walker and Nicaragua". A few scenes from Russia. "More Insanity" showing several cures.
Complete in 16 pages, in very good condition (as shown), an... See More
Creation of the flying eagle cent...
Item #172020
February 07, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 7, 1857 This is the volume one, number six issue as this famous title didn't begin publication until January, 1857.
Page 3 not only has a nice article on the new Flying Eagle penny, but it also includes an illustration of both the obverse and reverse of the new coin.
The complete text, headed "Not A Red Cent" takes half a column a... See More
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