LETTERS ON NATURAL MAGIC, ADDRESSED TO SIR WALTER SCOTT
Book Details + Condition: First edition (1834). Published by John Murray (London). From the Family Library. Original printed boards. Measures 6.25" x 4.25". 351 pages, with black-and-white illustrations throughout text. In this compilation, former child prodigy David Brewster (17810-1868), who invented and named the kaleidoscope in 1816, details various natural phenomena as used in magic such as: optical illusions, spectral illusions, magic lantern, feats of strength, automata, Babbage's calculating machines, ventriloquism, wonders of chemistry, alchemy, breathing fire, and spontaneous combustion. Binding is tight and solid; shelf wear to boards, with age-darkening and fading of print to boards present; bumped and rubbed corners; small chip to top of spine; interior is free of marking, save age darkening to pages and owner's name on first page of ToC.
