Historic Newspapers: Inventions

WEEKLY MEMORIALS FOR THE INGENIOUS, with the longer title including: "...Or, An Account of Books lately set forth in several Languages, With other Accounts Relating to Arts and Sciences." London, Dec. 11, 1682  

* Very rare 17th century publication

This rare title existed for just 50 issues, from January 16, 1682 thru January 15, 1683. Offered is issue #48.
Records note that this was just the second literary periodical in English, the first being "Mercurius Librarius" from 1680, but it…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1731  

* 18th century magician Isaac Fawkes
* Historical and law-treatise against Jews and Judaism
* re. the creation of the colony of Georgia 

There are several notable articles in this issue, including over a full page on: "...an Historical and Law-Treatise Against Jews and Judaism, published some years since."
Another significant item is one of the earliest reports to be had on what would be the creation of the Georgia colony, headed: "A true Account…

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 the Jacobite Journal" "The Importance of Nova Scotia" and much more. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" with the latest news…

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 & portions of Canada, including a sermon in response to a day of thanksgiving: "A Thanksgiving Sermon at the South Church in Boston, New England, Occasioned by the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1748  

* Great 18th century ship illustration

Certainly a prime feature is the terrific, full page illustration of: "A Ship Of War" with considerable detail, and with most of the facing page having the "Explanation to a Ship of War of the third Rate with Rigging, &c., at Anchor".
The "Explanation" numerically identifies 148 parts noted on the plates as well as 17 other features which are listed alphabetically. A terrific plate for display for any…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1753  

* Hand colored Woodcut of plate of "The Baltimore Bird" (Oriole) nesting in "The Virginian Tulip Tree"

One of the prime features of this issue is the plate showing: "The Baltimore Bird" (Oriole) nesting in "The Virginian Tulip Tree", which is hand-colored.
Among the additional articles within are: "Observation of the Moon's Eclipse"; a full page of text along with an illustration of: "A View & Description of the Isle of Procida", which is…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1755  Among the articles are: "Secret of the Fire-eating Art" "An Account of some New Experiments on Human Blood" "Life of a Modern Physician" "A Letter from R. Brook, M.D. in Maryland..." concerning Fahrenheit's thermometer; "New Improvement of the Barometer" which includes a nice illustration of it; "An Account of Canada, Given to the Governor of New York" which takes over a full page, and has as a page heading: "Journey from Quebeck to…

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.  Complete in 8 pages, measures approximately 8 1/2 by 11 inches, and is in good condition.

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 content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the measures pursued…

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" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the…

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 from hence...the longest & most severe winter that was ever remembered...horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the…

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 Quakers' address to Congress on their concern for the slave trade (see), and also half a column on: "American Intelligence" which includes…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1784  

* HMS Resolution - Royal Navy
* Captain James Cook death
* Third Voyage - Hawaiian Islands

Certainly the most interesting content in this issue is the great & lengthy text (continued from the June issue) on a review of a new publication, headed: "Captain Cook's Voyage--Relation of the events that led to the murder of Capt. Cook...". This report takes nearly 3 pages, portions seen in the photos, and includes the details of the murder of Capt. Cook by…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1784  

* HMS Resolution - Royal Navy
* Captain James Cook
* Third Voyage - Gulf of Alaska
* Early ballooning flight - Montgolfier

There is a nice article: "On the General Post Office & Postage of Letters" with a chart of the various rates and small engravings of cancellations & free postage, franking notations.
There is a nice letter concerning early hot air balloon flight, which includes: "...A new set of words is wanting to express the…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, March, 1787  

* John Shay's Rebellion
* Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The issue begins with: "A Letter from David Rittenhouse...Respecting the Generation of Clouds in the Atmosphere". Other items include: "Description of Chalybeate Springs near Saratoga" "Description of a New Solar Dial" which includes a fold-out plate of it in nice condition; "Account of Remarkable Cascades & Caverns in Virginia" & much more.
Near the back is "Intelligence" with the latest news…

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, Secretary at War; Mr. John Jay, Chief Judge of the Union..." and more.
Among the additional articles are: "Experiments on…

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 Education...", more on the continued article: "History of the American Revolution" "Strictures on Dr. Brown's Elements of Medicine" "An Oration on the…

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 notes in part: "I am happy to inform you that the more we clear of this country, the better we find it, and if we had only…

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: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting cloths...to…

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: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting cloths...to…

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 to: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting…

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 that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting cloths...to be made patent...for the term of fourteen…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 30, 1797 

* President John Adams

 Page 2 has a "Tribute of Respect" from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences written: "To John Adams, L.L.D., President of the United States of America" concerning an honor given to him. This is followed by: "The President's Answer", signed in script type: John Adams.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the blank spine margin, good condition.

Background: The publication of this "Tribute of Respect" in the August 30, 1797, edition of…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 26, 1799  The front page has an interesting: "Valuable Nautical Invention" noting: "A new Sea Log has lately been invented by Messrs. Chester & Calvin Gould for which they have received Letters Patent..." with details.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic Wars, including: "From Buonaparte in Egypt" and a: "Letter from Buonaparte - Army of the East" which is signed in type: Buonaparte. Page 3 has two "Once Cent Reward" ads for runaways.
The back…

CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 5, 1806   

* Lewis and Clark Expedition letter
* Safe return - homeward bound

Page 2 begins with a notable report on the arrival of Lewis and Clark in St. Louis, after their 2-1/2 year expedition.
It begins: "It is, with the sincerest pleasure, that we announce to our fellow citizens, the arrival of CAPTAIN LEWIS, with his exploring party, at St. Lewis [sic]. The President has received a letter from him dated at St. Lewis, September 23, at which…

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.

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.

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.

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.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 14, 1847  Half of the front page is taken up with an interesting & very detailed report to Congress: "Fremont's Topographical and Scientific Maps" which concerns much of explorations in the American West.
Inside has much on the Mexican War including: "Particulars of the Capture of Tuspan [Tuxpan]" "The Mexican Prisoners of Cerro Gordo" "How We Got Into the Present War" "Latest From Gen. Taylor's Army" "Action of the Mexican Congress" and:…

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" "The Waterville Murder" "New Invention" and much more with many ads.
Some spine wear, otherwise in nice condition. 4 pages.

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.

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 of what we now know as the safety pin: "To W. Hunt of New York City, for improvement in Dress Pins. Patented April…

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"; and more articles, illustrations and advertisements.
This is complete in 8 pages with some lite rubbing on the front page as well as a couple holes at…

THE EXPOSITOR, London, Dec. 7, 1850  It is subtitled: "A Weekly Illustrated Recorder of Inventions, Designs, and Art-Manufactures" causing the format to be very similar to America's 'Scientific American'. However, the timing, and the print in the masthead, indicate it coincided with the Great Exhibition held in London's Hyde Park May thru October, 1851. This is issue #6.
The front page has a large print: "View of the Transept, with Preparations for Housing the Great Central Ribs". Inside…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Oct. 4, 1851 

* 1st America's Cup race
* Schooner Yacht "America"

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 yacht on the adjacent page.
About a third of a page has a print: "American Reaping…

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 well.

Complete in 8 pages, lite scatter staining in margin areas, otherwise in nice condition.

Inventor's & Inventions Collection I

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.

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 stone rail viaduct in the mid-19th century and is still in use today. There is a related front page article as…

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 prints including "The Residence of General Pierce"
Sixteen pages, various foxing, archival repair inside, generally good.

Phineas T. Barnum was the…

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 prints including "The Residence of General Pierce"
Sixteen pages, minor foxing, generally good.

Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this…

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. Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "A New Implement of Destruction" ha much text and a print of the: "Floating…