Inventions
Inventions
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
Electricity experiments...
Item #638570
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1747 The first article takes nearly 3 pages and is a: "Description of the Rhinoceros" which includes a print of one on a full page plate (see).
There are three articles on Prince of Orange. Another page has an article which includes a print: "Method of Fixing a Machine for Land Measure" (see). Another article is titled
... See More
There are three articles on Prince of Orange. Another page has an article which includes a print: "Method of Fixing a Machine for Land Measure" (see). Another article is titled
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... Foldout map of Africa...
Item #644295
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1748 Certainly the prime content in this issue is the very nice foldout map of "AFRICA", which shows considerable detail of the entire continent, at least as much as was known over 250 years ago. Included also is the Saudi Arabia peninsula, portions of present-day Iraq and Iran, as well as the very southern tips of Italy (including Si... 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
Reference to Ben Franklin & his lightning rod...
Item #638567
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1752 Items of interest in this issue include a nice print of: "The Porcelain Manufactory at Worcester" with the River Severn in the foreground. "Of the Man with the Iron Mask" "Ancient Forms of Mourning" "History of the Incas, Concluded" "Remarkable Cure by Electricity" "Cause of the Au... See More
An award in Ben Franklin's honor... Indians kidnap several colonists...
Item #642755
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1753 Of particular interest is: "Annual Medal of the Royal Society" which has Ben Franklin's name on it. There is related text noting: "...This mark of distinction is double due to Mr. Franklin. It is due to him as a philosopher; it is due to him as a man. The successful experiments of this philosopher have given us probable ... 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
Wealth of interesting commentary from just before the outbreak of war...
Item #666066
February 17, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Feb. 17, 1775 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
Fully half of the front page is taken up with an interesting article headed: "Observations On Taxing America". Notewor... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #651050
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 co... 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
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
Philadelphia magazine from the formative year of America's government...
Item #652708
June 01, 1789
COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, June, 1789 The issue begins with the continued "Concise History of the Late War In America" which takes 8 pages.
Other articles include: "The Life of William Penn, the Celebrated Founder of Pennsylvania" which is a continued article; "Arguments Drawn from Interest as well as Humanity Against the Practice of Slavery in the French Col... 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 #674102
May 23, 1818
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Maryland, May 23, 1818
* Inventor Eli Whitney
* Cotton Gin invention
An extremely significant back page report is headed: "Labor Saving Machinery" includes: "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... See More
Sale of 30 to 40 confiscated slaves...
Item #620321
May 01, 1819
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 1, 1819 Inside has a report headed: "Sale of African Slaves" which notes: "...the town of Milledgeville, will be exposed to public sale to the highest bidder between 30 and 40 prime African slaves...Indisputable titles will be made, and prompt payment required." (see). Page 5 has an interesting article: "The Belt Saw - The s... See More
No Harmony at New Harmony...
Item #558605
June 22, 1827
BOSTON RECORDER & TELEGRAPH, Boston, Massachusetts, June 22, 1827
* New Harmony Indiana
* Robert Owen
Page 3 has a report: "New Harmony--Mr. Owen has sold a great part of his property at N. Harmony, leased the remainder, and left it on his return from Scotland. W. Maclure, in the Philadelphia Gazette, warns people not to trust Mr. Owen on his account".
Report is in a large... 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.
Coverage of the trial of John Colt, with unusual graphics...
Item #665892
January 20, 1842
NEW YORK HERALD--EXTRA, Jan. 20, 1842
* John C. Colt murder trial w/ prints
* Brother of famous gun inventor
A rare "Extra" edition produced to offer the latest news on the fascinating trial of John Colt.
Most of the front page is taken up with considerable detail on the case of Colt who was accused of murdering Samuel Adams the previous year. This was quite the sensation a... See More
Incredible coverage of the trial of John Colt, with great graphics...
Item #665891
January 28, 1842
NEW YORK HERALD, Jan. 28, 1842
* John C. Colt murder trial w/ prints
* Brother of famous gun inventor
Most of the front page is taken up with considerable detail on the intriguing murder case of John Colt, who was accused of murdering Samuel Adams the previous year. This was quite the sensation at the time.
Of special interest is the incredible graphic on page 5, with a very rare &am... See More
The murder of Samuel Adams by John Colt...
Item #665660
September 27, 1842
NEW YORK HERALD---EXTRA, Sept. 27, 1842
* John C. Colt murder trial sentence
* Brother of famous gun inventor
This is an uncommon single sheet "extra" edition created for the expressed purpose of reporting: "Sentence of JOHN C. COLT, Convicted On The Murder of SAMUEL ADAMS on the 19th September, 1841".
This murder case was quite a sensation at the time, the detail... See More
Samuel Morse and his telegraph invention...
Item #672955
December 24, 1842
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 24, 1842
* Samuel Morse
* Telegraph invented
The bottom of the back page has a report headed: "Electro Magnetic Telegraph" which includes: "...states that S. F. B. Morse, of New York, is now exhibiting to committees appointed by congress to examine the subject, his invention by which two persons, however distant, may convers... See More
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
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
Colt revolver about to become identified with the Old West...
Item #653476
October 23, 1847
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, October 23, 1847 A very early issue of this famous magazine (still publishes today) as it began just 2 years previous in 1845.
Page 2 has a brief yet significant item headed "Colt's Revolving Pistols" which reads: "Government has decided to arm a regiment of mounted men with this most effective weapon, and Mr. Colt (whose factory is at Hartf... 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
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.
Reflections on the discoveries during 1851... The Crystal Palace...
Item #652585
January 03, 1852
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, January 3, 1852
* Reflections on the discoveries during 1851...
* The New York World's Fair and the Crystal Palace
Patents, new inventions and discoveries, and the mid 1800's world of science is explored within the pages of this issue from early 1852. Inside has two articles of particular interest: "Progress of Discovery During 1851" and "A World&... See More
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
The Starrucca Viaduct, still in use today...
Item #616404
February 07, 1852
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 7, 1852 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 ... 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...
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
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
Scathing report on The Smithsonian Institute...
Item #657048
March 11, 1854
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 11, 1854 While this early issue of this title (Volume IX) has a number of illustrations and interesting content, the most noteworthy item is the rather scathing article regarding the Smithsonian Institute.
It states, in part: "It is our opinion that if [James] Smithsonian were to rise from the dead, his first object would be to try and get the... 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
Great item for the fire-fighting collector...
Item #657050
November 15, 1856
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Nov. 15, 1856
* Great pre-Civil War fire engine print
For the collector of fire-fighting memorabilia, this is a terrific issue.
The entire front page is taken up with a very detailed & terrific print titled: "The New Steam Fire Engine" which was called the "Neptune", manufactured by Silsby, Mynderse & Company in Seneca Falls, ... See More
Very early typewriter, with an illustration...
Item #655452
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 pri... 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
Very early typewriter, with an illustration...
Item #646408
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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