A Letter from Mr. J. Smeaton to Mr. John Ellicott, F.R.S. concerning some Improvements made by himself in the Air-Pump

As in most engineering programs, improvements in the design occur on an almost regular basis. This paper, read before the Royal Society on April 16, 1752, describes the improvements that Mr. Smeaton has made to his design of an Air-Pump.

The item is a First Edition, extracted and disbound from The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Vol. 47, For the Year 1751 & 1752, pages 415-428, plus one extended plate. This volume was published in 1753. The pages, which measure approximately 6 ¼ x 8 ¾ inches, are tanned, but the text is clear and easily read. The overall condition of the item is good/very good.

The illustrations accompanying this description show the first page of the paper and the extended plate (which has six drawings supporting the text).

John Smeaton, FRS, (8 June 1724 – 28 October 1792) was an English civil engineer responsible for the design of bridges, canals, harbours and lighthouses. He was also a capable mechanical engineer and an eminent physicist. Smeaton was the first self-proclaimed civil engineer, and often regarded as the "father of civil engineering". [Wikipedia]

John Ellicott (London, 1706–1772), was an eminent English clock and watchmaker of the 18th century. John Ellicott conducted business first from Austin Friars Street EC2 and later from Swithin's Alley, Royal Exchange, and in 1738 was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. He showed a keen interest in scientific matters and maintained an observatory at his home in Hackney. He was best known for his work on temperature compensated pendulums and his use of the cylinder escapement. His quality workmanship led to an appointment as Clockmaker to George III. [Wikipedia]