3. Dircks, Henry.
Perpetuum Mobile; or, a History of the Search for Self-Motive Power, from the 13th to the 19th Century [Author’s own copy]. Illustrated from various authentic Sources, in Papers, Essays, Letters, Paragraphs, and numerous Patent Specifications.
First Edition. London, E. & F.N. Spon, 1861. Small Octavo. Frontispiece, XLI, 558 pages. Hardcover / Full leather with gilt lettering and rich ornament on spine and boards. All edges gilt. The author’s own copy with his bookplate to the pastedown. Henry Dircks must have given his special bound “author’s copy” away because the endpaper bears his inscription to Dr. John Waggett MD FRCS (1818-1909), London’s beloved General Practicioner, Vaccinator and Honorary Surgeon to the local dispensary for the poor: “Dr.Waggett – With the author’s compliments – May 1862”. Excellent condition with only very minor signs of external wear.