The Theory Of Perspective Demonstrated; In A Method Entirely New. By which the several Planes, Lines, and Points, Used In This Art, Are Shewn By Moveable Schemes, in the true Positions in which they are to be considered. Invented, and now published for the Use of the Royal Academy at Woolwich. By John Lodge Cowley, Professor Of Mathematicks.
London,: Printed for T. Payne, at the Muse-Gate; J. Dodsley, Pall-mall; J. Millan, Charing-Cross; B. White, in Fleet-Street; Webley, Holborn; T. Longman, in Pater-noster Row; R. Horsfield, in Ludgate-Street; S. Hooper, in the Strand; and J. Bennet, in Crown-Court, St. Anne's, Soho., MDCCLXVI.
[Half-t., t.p., dedic.] - Preface - A Succint History Of Perspective - [Text] - [Plates].
Responsibility Note
No plate is signed.
The work is dedicated by the author to John Manners, Marquis of Granby [the military hero, two portraits of whom were painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds].
References
R. Calinger, A contextual history of mathematics to Euler (1999)
ESTC, T178295
E.G.R. Taylor, The mathematical practitioners of Hanoverian England, 1714-1840 ( 1966).
Summary Note
John Lodge Cowley was Professor of Mathematics at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich near London from 1761 to 1773. Most of his publications were on geometry, and here he attempts 'to explain and facilitate the doctrine of planes as applicable to perspective' (Preface). Cowley follows a method of Albrecht Durer for constructing regular and semiregular solids from paper by drawing the bounding polygons and folding the figures along the connected edges. All the plates in this work are carefully cut to make this process possible. This technique was thought to be useful not only to military students but also to builders and cabinet-makers.
Provenance
Purchased by 1780. Recorded in A Catalogue Of The Library In The Royal Academy, London (1802).
Copy Note
Imperfect: lacks the half-title.
Binding Note
18th-century speckled calf, upper cover gilt-stamped with royal arms of Britain and 'R.A.'; rebacked in 20th century, red morocco spine-label lettered 'Cowley's Perspective'.