Architecture

Fuller’s Spiral Slide Rule [Calculator] – Manufacturer W.F. Stanley, London

Invented by George Fuller, Professor of Engineering at Queens’s College Belfast, patented in 1878.

The rule consists of a logarithmic scale of numbers spiral wound in the form of a helix; the scale is 500 inches [circa 42 feet] in length having 7,250 divisions. This rule is therefore equivalent to a straight slide rule twice that length or c 84 feet. If you understand the principle – it’s the [lack of] length of a slide rule that inhibits accuracy. It can be held in one hand while performing calculations or fixed on the removable brass holder if more convenient. The mahogany box is true to the instrument and has felt covered fittings to protect it in transit. The original instruction booklet is still with the instrument.

The manufacturer was W.H. Stanley at one time the biggest instrument maker in the World. Stanley a Fellow of all the right Societies was an architect and had near 100 patents to his name.

This instrument is one of the last manufactured, which probably accounts for its pristine condition. We can date it to 1965 for two reasons. First, all instruments were numbered at the bottom of the B cursor, and this one is serial number 13111 and below that stamped 65 for 1965. Secondly, there is a magnificent paper published by the esteemed Oughtred Society [Look it up] which gives excellent background information on the instrument and provides a graph of the serial numbers and dates of a good sample from No 1 in 1884 to number 13688 in 1973 – so you can see that ours is placed right in the twilight zone.

We find it interesting that only 14,000 instruments were ever made over a period of 90 years. After a slowish start and an end tail-off the graph of units made is pretty steady with a bit of a jolt during WWI and WWII. Your guess is right it was killed pretty dead by Hewlett Packard.

We haven’t gone into full details of how the instrument is constructed and functions, but we do have information in our Research Section, and you can always look up the aforementioned “Oughtred” reference – best information going – forget Wiki.

In terms of size the box is 46 cm x 12 cm x 11 cm. The rule is 43 cm long 9 cm in diameter.. Total weight around 2 kgs.

A postage supplement may be required dependent on location of buyer.

Fullers system of spiral slide rule – top of the pile and an instrument of some beauty

$690.00

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The Proposed Chemical Laboratory at the University of Sydney -1888 – A Liversidge – Professor of Chemistry

An understandably scarce document and an unusual one – one that appeals very much to Voyager. Sydney University has been without an adequate science laboratory for many years. Liversidge has risen to be Professor of Chemistry and with a strong hand in geology, metallurgical sciences etc.

This extensive paper was presented before the first meeting of the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science, Sydney August 28^th 1888.

Large sized [foolscap plus?] 4 pages of narrative -equivalent of 4 times that against usual and then twelve plates on 5 pages of various designs highlighting the practicalities required in a modern science laboratory. Bound in stout half red morrocco over morrocco? covered boards – later paper title, end papers darkened – whole supported by bound in blanks at rear [the sign of a top binder] – paper support on internal hinge. Very good condition. Stamp of the Royal Society of N.S.W. who strangely disposed such items – shame on them.

Tours had been taken of European and Japanese then modern equivalents and similar standards were to be achieved albeit for budgetary purposes some of the architectural materials had to be more restrained. Having said this the alcoves of the corridor were to have the busts of great European scientists installed. We particularly like the incorporation of the furnaces for metallurgy and the massive outside hydrogen sulphide generator and that quick egress in the event of explosion was thoughtful.

The Sydney University first proper science laboratory – we find it intriguing

$125.00

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[Tasmania] Oddity and Elegance – Michael Sharland – First edition 1966

As mentioned on the front cover Michael Sharland had already issued the Tasmanian book “Stones of a Century”. This is by far a better book.

A very good copy in a complete dust jacket. Published by Fullers, Hobart in 1966. Squat quarto, 134 pages with many special images from photographs throughout.

About places, structures and their connection to key individuals. We particularly like the section on water driven mills [quite a few in the Huon valley]. And, the tidal powered mill [ahead of its time] in the North-west. Many and varied fences, the industrially scarred landscapes of the western mining regions and the naming of the peaks after a trove of Geological heroes.

Much more, entertaining and informative. Will make you a Tassie expert on its own!

Sharland on Tassie- his best and better than all the rest!

$50.00

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TRUMP – Strategies for Real Estate [Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor] George H Ross

Topical. And an alternative or companion to the Art of The Deal. Published by John Wiley in 2005 a first edition. Octavo, 232 pages with the odd image of the TRUMP successes in New York real estate.

Forward by TRUMP … who much admires George Ross who in turn much admires TRUMP … we think that is rule number one.

We could be critical and make more corny remarks but in reality [no attempted pun] the book is very informative, and the TRUMP tactics and ploys make a lot of sense … suggestions of a very through approach even if masked as casual. Enough said.

Can we learn from TRUMP … swallow hold breath – we think so!

$30.00

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The Great Pyramid – Ancient Egypt Revisited – John Romer

A fine copy of this all embracing work about the Great Pyramid at Giza [and others] published by Cambridge University Press, 2007, with all its usual quality.

Quarto, 564 pages, numerous images from photographs, useful diagrams, maps etc. As new condition in a like dust jacket. A heavy book [1.9 kg] not really suitable for Overseas postage.

Not far into the book we come across Voyager hero Scottish astronomer, with an Italian name, Piazzi Smyth who first proposed the bewildering connection between the cosmos and the geometry and dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. From there the book only gets better and a full reading and understanding will take you to Doctorate level on the subject.

Near the end we have some great analysis of the build plan and proper quantity surveying re the build materials [there were a lot of then]. The estimate of the workforce at circa 25,000 in the first year is well supported yet hard to visualise.

Best “How To” book on building very large pyramids!

$50.00

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The Antiquities of Warwick, and Warwick Castle – Extracted from Sir William Dugdale’s Antiquities of Warwickshire – 1786

Title goes on … To which is added, from an ancient Manuscript in the Possession of the Corporation of Warwick, a Detail of the Earl of Leicester’s Arrival in Warwick, and Celebrating the French Order of St Michael, in the Year 1571: And also, an Account of Queen Elizabeth’s Reception in Warwick, in 1572. Embellished with a Copper Plate Print of St Mary’s Church.

Printed by and for J. Sharp; and Sold by Messrs. Rivingtons, St Paul’s Church-yard, London MDCCLXXXVI [1786].

Octavo, 163 pages, large folding plate of the South East Prospect of St Mary’s Church by B Cole. Bound half leather over marbled boards, gilt embellishments to spine. Top of spine “pulled” a little age, otherwise a pretty good antiquarian copy.

Dugdale’s earlier book is the major reference on early Warwickshire and Warwick. Here we have a reduced version which made it accessible. The additions make the book, and the descriptions of Elizabeth I visit a highlight.

Warwick one of the more fascinating Castle Towns of England and a visit from Elizabeth I.

$170.00

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Fuller’s Spiral Slide Rule [Calculator] – Manufacturer W.F. Stanley, London

The Proposed Chemical Laboratory at the University of Sydney -1888 – A Liversidge – Professor of Chemistry

[Tasmania] Oddity and Elegance – Michael Sharland – First edition 1966

TRUMP – Strategies for Real Estate [Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor] George H Ross

The Great Pyramid – Ancient Egypt Revisited – John Romer

The Antiquities of Warwick, and Warwick Castle – Extracted from Sir William Dugdale’s Antiquities of Warwickshire – 1786

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