THE FIRST “COMPUTER MANUAL”
1672 Morland (Samuel) A New, and most useful Instrument for Addition and Subtraction of Pounds, Shillings, Pence, and Farthings.
Morland (1625–1695) invented a calculating machine in 1666 which was the first ever to perform all four basic functions of mathematics. He was Master of Mechanics to Charles II and, amongst other things, claimed to have invented a protractor, a speaking trumpet, the angle barometer and an engine for draining mines. The final 16pp. of the work contain A Table shewing the beginning of every KingS Reign, from the Conquest…`, Advice touching the Posts, and Roads…`, and Forreign Weights and Measures… by Jonas Moore.
Description: Morland (Samuel) A New, and most useful Instrument for Addition and Subtraction of Pounds, Shillings, Pence and Farthings. Without charging the Memory, disturbing the Mind, or exposing the Operator to any uncertainty: Which no Method heretofore published, can justly pretend to, first edition, no A1, A8, F8, G8 or second A8 and with erratic pagination & binding but apparently complete (collates as MorlandS Description and Use of Two Arithmetick Instruments… of 1673 but without that title and engraved portrait), Perpetual Almanack table and second signature A bound between G1 (Diameter of Circle) and G2, with 5 engraved plates/tables including A Perpetual Almanack table, 4 folding (3 printed as plates but mounted on versos of B1–3, plate numbered 11 lacking folding portion), 19 engraved full-page diagrams/tables (the first 6 printed on versos of signature A rather than mounted), a little soiled and browned, small nick to lower edge of title, contemporary sheep, rubbed, rebacked and corners repaired, [Wing M2781 but with additional leaves as in M2777], small 8vo, by the importunity of his [MorlandS] very good Friends, made publick, 1672; The first book in English on a calculating machine and one of the earliest computer manuals.
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