Scientific American, an Illustrated Journal of Practical Information in Art, Science, Mechanics, Agriculture, Chemistry, and Manufactures. [New Series]. Vol. 1, No. 1 (July 2, 1859) to Vol. 6, No. 26 (June 28, 1862). [VOLUMES 1-6]

New York: Munn & Co., 1859. First Edition First Printing . Hardcover. Very Good. Folio - over 12 - 15" tall. Folios. Variously paginated. The bindings measure 13 3/4 inches tall by 10 inches wide. Hardcovers bound in early black half leather with burgundy marbled paper-covered boards. Moderate wear to the bindings. Volume I has a tear at the foot of the spine and some wrinkles on the spine. Volume III has some heavy scuffing on the rear hinge and there is cracking on the rear hinge running about 7 inches up from the foot. The rest of the bindings have some bumping and scuffing but are generally quite sound and serviceable. The text is variously toned and has some occasional foxing. Many of the interior issues have center folds. We've seen one page that has a tear at the fore edge running into the text, but overall the text is sound and undamaged. Illustrated throughout. An incredible collection of the first 6 volumes of the New Series (each volume contains about 26 issues, or half a hear), starting with July 2, 1859 (Volume 1, No. 1) to June 28, 1862. Many of the articles at the beginning are focused on normal science and mechanics, with an emphasis on farm and textile machinery, (including steam tractors), pumps, household items, etc. As the Civil War looms, the articles include more military inventions. One article that was published some months before the War began entitled, "Misapprehensions Among Inventors -- Patents North and South -- Suggestions to Mechanics." As the Civil War begins, the articles have more canons and guns. In Volume 6 (the first half of 1862) there are articles on the ironclad ships, including illustrations of the Monitor and the Merrimack. A great resource all in similar contemporary bindings.