The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Annual reports. A con...

Hammer

£1,000

The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Annual reports. A continuous run from 1834 to 1926. Mostly in a uniform half polished calf with marble boards, compartmentalised spines with gilt tooled lettering, some slight variations to two of the works, one being a 1882 Coronation presentation copy (presented to Miss Fox from Father Rogers, President); 1900-1926 being a sympathetic rebind, backstrips to early vols with some chipping, many maps, plans diagrams, plates, &c. &c. The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society focused on the progression of technology, science and the arts and "to elicit the ingenuity of a community distinguished for its mechanical skill" (Our History - The Poly at Falmouth). The society's hall was later imagined and executed to cater for the proliferation of new ideas, research and inventions. This collection contains wide academic and cultural content. It also played a prominent role in industrial development in the 19th century, being instrumental in the development of the “Man engine” in mines, improved drilling machinery, mine ventilation, the health and welfare of fishermen and miners – and explosives. At the 1865 Exhibition, a first Silver Medal was awarded for Nobel’s nitro-glycerine, following a demonstration at Falmouth docks. Prentice's gun cotton was also demonstrated. In 1858 the Society founded The Miners Association to better aid the mining industry. A very good early set. John Stengelhofen (1939-2020). Please see lot 1 for provenance.