Science including Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy, Medical Sciences etc

Atomic Energy for Military Purposes [the “official” book about the making of the first Atomic Bomb] – Henry Smyth – 1945

Full text of the Official Report … subtitled A General Account of the Scientific Research and Technical Development That Went into the Making of Atomic Bombs.

This is the new and enlarged edition, which includes statements by the British and Canadian Governments.

Not everyone’s cup of tea. For scientists particularly physicists and physical chemists a startlingly frank book about the Manhattan Project and what went on about, and into the making of, the first atomic weapon.

Published by the Princeton University Press in 1945, described as a fifth printing. Paper covered octavo, 308 (previously 264) pages, with photographs of the facilities and the first boom. The front covered has been repaired at the hinge, otherwise a pretty good copy.

The back history is well laid out, the fundamental science and the challenges. The simplicity of “critical mass” has always amazed Voyager. But it was the speed that CM is attained that was the key before all sorts of other leakages could take place in that extended micro-second. Typical of what can be achieved during wartime. The management (laboratory) structure … the heads of each, all famous scientists. Voyager hero, British Nobel Prize Winner, James “Neutron” Chadwick spent three years there and is recognised here as making a fundamental contribution.

Oppenheimer is the first name that comes to most. His organisational ability could not be questioned. The speed at which the first device was manufactured after the science was decided upon is nothing mor than remarkable. On the night of the first test they were delayed by a significant lightening storm … Oppenheimer went out into the darkness and at the first sight of stars declared the experiment on …

The First Atomic Bomb – the whole official story – like it or not … it makes interesting scientific and historical reading.

$50.00

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IMAGO MVUNDI (MUNDI) The Journal of The International Society for the History of Cartography – Volume 42

Published by Imago Mundi, King College London in 1990. Folio, 179 pages including advertisements. Illustrated with maps, charts and diagrams. original blue cloth with gilt titling and device. Very good condition.

An annual publication and the pinnacle of cartographic research. Superbly presented.

Contents include – Monumental Legends on Medieval Manuscript Maps; Derrotera Map of the Bahamas; Maps as Art and Science from the 16thC; Land Company Mapping in North America; Sanson-Jaillot map of South America 1674 etc etc

Extensive book reviews provided an excellent bibliography for cartography enthusiasts.

Imago Mundi cannot be improved

$50.00

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Wai-Wai [Through the Forests North of the Amazon] – Nicholas Guppy.

Important book about the little known Wai-Wai from the border of Gayana and Brazil. Nicholas Guppy was an incredible individual – he died in Bali in his 80’s having gone there to alleviate the effects of hookworm which found their way into his system during these adventures. We strongly recommend reading his obituary in the London Telegraph … too much and too interesting to paraphrase here.

Thick octavo, 374 pages, first edition published by none other than John Murray, London in 1958. Chips to dust jacket as seen in the image but still a very good copy of a must have book.

A useful map near the front provides an overview of the travels first by light aircraft, then foot and canoe over very difficult terrain and waters. Guppy a botanist was sent to secure rare specimens but foremost in his mind was finding the elusive Wai-Wai. The travels were arduous; finding sufficient food along the way was problematic – particularly as the gang of native helpers he used appeared to regard him [his body] as back-up should provisions be depleted! Eventually he meets his Wai-Wai … a most unusual group, completely unaffected by western life. He came to love and admire them – reflected in this book and from what we read his conversation throughout his life.

We wish we could say more and maybe be more precise about this work – it is more than worthy.

Adventurous Guppy meets his Wai-Wai and they get along well.

$50.00

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Australian Mineral Specimen – Tasmanian Crocoite

The mineral emblem of Tasmania the rare and beautiful Crocoite.

A sparkling example with large dense crystals of a very even strong colour. A super example, cased to preserve its beauty

Get some Crocoite in Your Life!!

$90.00

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Resources of the Sea – Record of a Symposium arranged by the Royal Society of Tasmania

Published by the Society relating to a symposium held at Bicheno on the east Coat of Tasmania in 1974.

Perfect bound 199 pages, decorated card covers. High standard and intensity narrative, numerous, charts, images, diagrams etc.

Divided into non-biological [Physical setting; Scenic Margin; Minerals of the Ocean and Oil] – biological [Fisheries; Farming the Sea; Ecosystems]

Whilst this is the 1970′s and the offshore oil industry is now well established, it is the sections on Minerals and Farming the Sea that we find particularly intriguing given that the former had gone into hibernation until Trump II came along and the latter is such a contested issue in Tasmania these days.

In the minerals paper we have much on manganese and the various methods of harvesting at various depths of ocean … go for it we think … or maybe not?

Resources of the Sea – a set of paper to look back on and look forward.

$30.00

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Carl Zeiss Microscope Vertical Illuminator with Aperture Diaphragm – Original Box – c 1930’s

A scarce period vertical illuminator in original fitted, felt lined box. Box in good order, shagreen a little aged, gilt naming and branding still readable, clasp work. Has kept the device in very good order.

The Zeiss vertical illuminator is used to reflect and control light vertically down the microscope to the specimen for both brightfield and darkfield observation. This model includes an aperture diaphragm which is operated by a lever [all works well which is crucial for achieving proper Kohler illumination. This setup allows for optimised contrast and resolution when observing with reflected light.

Zeiss microscope collectable in good order and with the diaphragm aperture

$190.00

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Atomic Energy for Military Purposes [the “official” book about the making of the first Atomic Bomb] – Henry Smyth – 1945

IMAGO MVUNDI (MUNDI) The Journal of The International Society for the History of Cartography – Volume 42

Wai-Wai [Through the Forests North of the Amazon] – Nicholas Guppy.

Australian Mineral Specimen – Tasmanian Crocoite

Resources of the Sea – Record of a Symposium arranged by the Royal Society of Tasmania

Carl Zeiss Microscope Vertical Illuminator with Aperture Diaphragm – Original Box – c 1930’s

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