Micrographia

Published in 1665, this book records Robert Hooke's observations with a compound microscope, and some with a telescope, presented as a series of numbered studies. He describes the edges of razors, the structure of cork (for which he uses the word cells), the anatomy of insects, the textures of plants, mould, and snow, and the appearance of woven cloth. Each object is turned into a problem of light, lens, and scale. The prose mixes workshop method with speculation about respiration, combustion, and the heavens. The work is a scientific observation book of the early Royal Society, not a general natural history.

Top edge. Quarter-bound in leather with cloth sides blocked in silver with a design. Black slipcase blocked on front in silver with FS logo.