Account of a Comet; In Philosophical Transactions the Royal Society of London, vol. 71

London: J. Nichols, 1781. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good. 1st edition, 1st printing anywhere of Herschel’s paper (read April 26, 1781) announcing his sighting of Uranus, the first new planet to be discovered since antiquity (Mercury in 265BC). Herschel thought that what he had seen was doubtless a planet, but since he was an amateur, and not a member of The Royal Society, he modestly titled his article with reserve, and in his paper, he referred to the object as a comet. However, he included extensive specifics on its location in the solar system and assumed that other, more experienced, astronomers could find it and determine what it was with certainty. (truncated) And they did so quickly, and confirmed it was no comet but a new planet. The public was exhilarated, telescope sales increased fiftyfold, Herschel became a rock star, and George III appointed him “The King’s Astronomer.” Our book is the entire, 582–page vol. 71 of the Royal Society’s Transactions, with his paper on pages 492–501, and complete with the 3 folding plates. Some foxing, else complete and very good in a modern full calf binding. (Inventory #: 959)