B chapter.indd - Charles Babbage Institute - University of Minnesota

Erwin Tomash Library
Babbage, Charles Babbage, Charles
B 48
Babbage, Charles (1791–1871)
B 48
Observations on the Temple of Serapis at Pozzuoli near
Naples, with an attempt to explain the causes of the
frequent elevation and depression of large portions of
the earth’s surface in remote periods, and to prove that
those causes continue in action at the present time. With
a supplement. Conjectures on the physical condition of
the surface of the moon.
Year: 1847
Place: London
Publisher: Privately printed (for the author) by Richard and
John Taylor
Edition: 1st
Language: English
Figures: 2 double lithographed plates (1 colored)
Binding: original cloth boards; gilt embossed covers
Pagination: pp. 42, [4]
Collation: A–B 8 C 5 χ 2
Size: 222x136 mm
Reference: Van S CBCP, #70; Babb CBLP, #71, #73; Ran
ODC, p. 405; MCK CBCW, v. 4, pp. 165–217
This small work testifies once more to Babbage’s wide-
ranging curiosity. During one of his several trips to Italy,
he noted evidence of the Temple of Serapis having been
submerged. In this booklet he attempts an explanation for
ground movement based on information first presented
as a paper in the Proceedings of the Geological Society,
March 1834, Vol. ii, p. 72. Babbage theorized that the
area had been heated and cooled by movements of the
liquid core of the earth. His reasoning was that a onemile
thickness of rock would expand twenty-five feet if
heated a hundred degrees Fahrenheit and thus raise or
lower the ground surface above it by the same amount.
Illustrations available:
Title page
B 49
Babbage, Charles (1791–1871)
Passages from the life of a philosopher.
B 49
Year: 1864
Place: London
Publisher: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts & Green
Edition: 1st
Language: English
Figures: engraved frontispiece
Binding: contemporary leather—special presentation copy
inscribed by Babbage: “To her Majesty, Eugenie,
Empress of the French, most respectfully presented by
the author”
Pagination: pp. xii, 496
Collation: A 6 B–2I 8
Size: 218x133 mm
Reference: Van S CBCP, #70; Babb CBLP, #71, #73; Ran
ODC, p. 405; MCK CBCW, v. 11
This autobiographical work notably comprises the
history of both the Difference Engine and the Analytical
Engine. It also treats his many other inventions and
contributions including the speedometer, the cowcatcher,
encoded lighthouse signaling and what is today known
as operations research.
This example, in a deluxe Royal binding, with silk
endpapers by Robert Rivière, is inscribed To her Majesty,
Eugenie, Empress of the French, most respectfully
presented by the author.
A second presentation copy of this work (original cloth
boards, unopened) is in the collection. It is inscribed:
To [Mm] M. Mignet, member of the Institute of France,
from the author.
Illustrations available:
Title page
Frontispiece
Design on the front and back cover of the leather binding
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