The Intellectual Observer : Review of Natural History, Microscopic Research and Recreative Science - Volumes I, II, III, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI & XII [ 1.2.3.5.6.7.9.10.11.12.]

London: Groombridge & Sons Ten volumes (of 12 published), small thick octavo, all edges gilt, original cloth, with a full complement of 64 colour printed plates and 55 tinted plates, plus many dozens of text engravings, remarkably clean internally with just the very occasional mark or small stain. The cloth bindings are original, but changed in colour and style during the course of publication and are slightly worn overall; the first five volumes are faded and bleached, the upper cover of Volume XI is stained, the spines of the last five volumes are wrinkled, and Volume VII is slightly weak at the front and rear hinges; Volumes I & IV are cracked at the front and rear hinges. Despite any faults mentioned, I feel that the internal condition is exceptional, as is the size of this run - an almost complete set - which is very unusual. VERY SCARCE. A heavy set - extra postage will be necessary. [The Intellectual Observer was a reconfigured version of the discontinued Recreative Science, but as its title suggests, it was aimed at an expanded audience that included those who wanted a little more than amusement alone. As a 'Review' of natural history, the periodical aimed to keep its readers abreast of the latest research in the field. The first issue began with a retrospect of the previous year (1861), detailing the various scientific advances and events in each branch of knowledge such as chemistry, geology, and astronomy. Upon opening a volume of the Intellectual Observer, the most striking difference from its predecessor (and many other contemporary science periodicals) is the inclusion of coloured illustrations. Printing in colour was much more expensive, and most periodicals kept production costs down by only using black and white, though this cost-cutting limited how useful such illustrations could be in showing the kind of details required for detailed scientific observation. The publishers of the Intellectual Observer clearly felt the additional expense was necessary if their periodical was going to provide its readers with the necessary understanding of the subjects described in the text. It was more long-lived than Recreative Science, lasting twelve years before it ceased publication. The higher production costs would have required a large and dedicated readership to make it commercially viable, and it seems likely that financial considerations were a significant factor in its demise (as was the case with most periodicals).]. Cloth. Good.