Curiosities

Radio-Activity. An Elementary Treatise, from the Standpoint of the Disintegration Theory – Frederick Soddy M.A. – First Edition 1904

An important work in the history of science. Explaining all of the then known facts by the theory of radio-activity and the explosive disintegration of elementary atoms.

Voyager scientific hero Frederick Soddy (1877-1956) was to win the Nobel Prize in 1921… “for his contributions to our knowledge of the chemistry of radioactive substances, and his investigations into the origin and nature of isotopes”.

Published by “the Electrician” Printing and Publishing Co, London in 1904.

Octavo, brown cloth covered boards with gilt lettering on front and spine. Xi, 214 pages; 40 illustrations, diagrams and charts; publishers catalogue. Some age but a worthy copy of an important and scarce work.

Soddy in conjunction with Rutherford developed the disintegration theory of radioactivity from experiments conducted between 1901-1903.

Following this work Soddy lectured in physical chemistry and radioactivity at Glasgow University. By 1913 his theory of disintegration had been further developed and the concept of isotopes developed … i.e. that certain elements exist in two forms which have different atomic weights. He became Professor of Chemistry at Aberdeen in 1914 and after WWI went to Oxford where he stayed until retirement in 1937.

Important work Soddy on Radio-Activity – early days.

$180.00

Updating cart…

The Early Water Supply of Hobart – 1804-1904 – Crawford and Ryan

A special production by Crawford and Ryan assisted by the Institute of Engineers in Australia.

Published in 1988, perfect bound, large octavo in size, 66 pages, nicely illustrated throughout.

If you have walked to the “Springs” above Hobart in Mount wellington you will love this informative book. If you haven’t walked the track then you should its beautiful … and one of the easiest walks on the hill.

The illustrations are something special, maps, charts, engineering diagrams often from first hand sketches.

The early water of Hobart – its still in demand – save it if you can.

$30.00

Updating cart…

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyan – Peter Pauper Press

A lovely little production by the superb Mount Vernon, Peter Pauper Press printed delightfully on rag paper.

The Edward Fitzgerald translation illustrated by Jeff Hill. No date but likely 1970′s

Unpaginated but 62 pages with 9 full page illustrations, the verses printed crisply within decorative borders. Decorated paper covered boards the design of which carries over to the dust jacket. Very good condition albeit a little ageing to the jacket.

The Rubaiyat should require no introduction .. every library should have several versions of which this a special one.

The Rubaiyat by the special Peter Pauper Press.

$40.00

Updating cart…

Rasmie’s Buddie [Shetlandic Poetry] – Haldane Burgess

This is the fourth edition of this most curios collection of “Poems in the Shetlandic” by Haldane Burgess illustrated by Frank Walterson.

Published in beautiful Lerwick, Shetland by the local publishing company. Octavo, xxii,104 pages including the useful if not essential comprehensive glossary of Shetlandic words at the end. Very good condition in a like dust jacket.

First published in the 19th century the work comprises forty seven poems which follow a very good biographical memoir of the poet by Manson and a preface by expert Lawrence Graham.

There are smatterings of English .. “The Shetland words are rather tough, – And there are folk you’d reach – Who’d like the “’Buddie” right enough; – But can’t make out the speech. – I have knocked about the world, – Seen and read a thing or two – And picked up some plain English, – Which I’m pretty sure would do”

But the fun in this work comes with the translation and the relaxing island style.

Shetlandic poetry – what a way in to a beautiful dialect ..

$35.00

Updating cart…

The Port Arthur Coal Mines [Tasmania] 1833-1877 – Ian Brand

A first edition, soft cover of this enlightening Industrial Local History about the convict worked coal mines on the Tasman Peninsula.

Perfect bound, octavo size, ninety pages nicely illustrated. Published by Regal Press, Launceston, no date but generally agreed c1995. A super as new copy.

A great history from the discovery of coal in the 1830’s and the initial years of working with convict labour before their eventual passing to private hands in 1848 and closure in 1877.

Interesting Industrial History – Coal in Tasmania

$30.00

Updating cart…

Everest is Climbed [Special Illustrated Work 1954] – Wilfred Noyce and Richard Taylor

A very good copy of a very usual period “Puffin Picture Book” describing and celebrating the fits ascent of Everest. Noyce (teacher) was part of the expedition team lead by Hunt (soldier) and remembered for Hillary (beekeeper) and Tenzing (sirdar).

Landscape staple bound soft cover 31 pages, profusely illustrated a really super piece of work not like anything else on the subject. Published by Penguin with permission from Hodder in 1954.

Starts with the history of the “objective” after the team backgrounds … with Mallory and the 1922 expedition. The finding of Mallory’s ice axe 1933 and a table on notable achievements up to the final success. The Southern Route and the Great Crevasse. Oxygen systems and how they work. Base camp and the choices of tents as they advance. Climbing equipment and the nine camps to the top. The Western Cwm and the author Noyce at the Geneva Spur overlooking the South Col. The final trek to the top along the South east Ridge.

Postage will likely be reduced on final billing.

Rather unique Everest ephemera with genuine content and special illustrations of the period.

$40.00

Updating cart…

Radio-Activity. An Elementary Treatise, from the Standpoint of the Disintegration Theory – Frederick Soddy M.A. – First Edition 1904

The Early Water Supply of Hobart – 1804-1904 – Crawford and Ryan

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyan – Peter Pauper Press

Rasmie’s Buddie [Shetlandic Poetry] – Haldane Burgess

The Port Arthur Coal Mines [Tasmania] 1833-1877 – Ian Brand

Everest is Climbed [Special Illustrated Work 1954] – Wilfred Noyce and Richard Taylor

Product Categories