The Principles of Science. - 1883

London: Macmillan and Co.,, 1883. Fourth edition, revised from the first of 1874. "The Principles of Science was a remarkable achievement, anticipating the approach of more recent works on the philosophy of science and showing Jevons's ability not only to think through the principles of reasoning, but to illustrate their application in a wide range of natural sciences, with which he displayed impressive familiarity" (ODNB). Jevons argues in the Principles against Baconian empirical procedure and in favour of the Newtonian approach: "I endeavour to show that hypothetical anticipation of nature is an essential part of inductive inquiry, and that it is the Newtonian method of deductive reasoning combined with elaborate experimental verification, which has led to all the greatest triumphs of scientific research". The frontispiece depicts Jevons's attempt at a "logical machine", which he had worked on from 1885, and was later recognized as a forerunner of 20th century computers. The original machine is now held at the History of Science Museum in Oxford. Octavo. Original brown cloth, spine lettered in gilt, dark green endpapers. Frontispiece depicting Jevons's logical machine. Ownership signature dated 1885 of one A. Wyld to half-title and stamp to front pastedown. Light rubbing and nicks at extremities, some leaves unopened towards rear. A very good copy.