The Stereoscope. Its history, theory, and construction with its application to the fine and useful arts and to education.

8vo: [4]-235-[1 bl.], [4], 15-[1], 32 pp.

Publ. blind-st. and gilt-decor. brown cloth, flat spine (spine detached from bookblock, front cover loosening).

Rare first edition of this particularly early monograph on the stereoscope, invented by Wheatstone (1802-1875) in 1838, then modified by Brewster (1781-1868) himself from the beginning of the 1840s. Illustrated in-text with 52 b/w figures. Brewster's text retraces the history of stereoscopy and the stereoscope, the optical bases of stereoscopic theory, as well as how to take and view stereo images. Finally, he details all the applications, in 1856, that this new optical science allows: for painting, but also architecture and engineering, natural history or even for educational purposes. In fine: a 4-page catalogue of works publ. by John Murray, a "Catalogue of binocular pictures of the London Stereoscopic Company", and "Mr. Murray's general list of works".
Ref. Libr. Hub Discover.
Prov. Late 19th-c. and early 20th-c. ms. names on front flyleaf.