BLACK (James). Observations on the Tillage of the Earth, and on the Theory of Instruments Adapted to this End.1787

London: Printed for P. Elmsly, First edition, 4to (273 x 220 mm), [2], 42pp., without half-title, F5 with closed tear to head, 11 folding engraved plates, closed tear to plate VIII, plate IX a little creased and soiled to folding, final plate creased at fore-edge, cont. half-calf, marbled boards, leather spine label, a very good copy. "James Black of Morden, Surrey, attempt to define the mechanical principles that govern the work of the plough... [it] condemns wheels and says that if the proper angles are maintained between the line of draught and the point of entry into earth, the plough will practically guide itself. 'A plough is a moving wedge to divide and overturn; it should therefore be constructed according to the lines of moving bodies... These according to Sir Isaac Newton' are set out and proposed to be followed in the design of the instrument."—Fussell. Two issues were published in 1777, ESTC records a single copy of this issue with 42 pages (Royal Society of Arts Library), and just 2 other copies of the second issue (British Library and Royal Agricultural Society of England). Provenance: Early ink ownership stamp 'A. Cheale' to foot of title; The Lawes Agriculture Library, Rothamsted Research Institute. Rothamsted, p.22; Perkins, 165; Fussell II, p.98.