Ciscar y Ciscar, Francisco - Reflexiones sobre las máquinas y maniobras del uso de a bordo, ordenadas por... Teniente de navío - 1791

A volume in folio (29.5 x 19.5 cm.) Bound in full vintage leather, smooth spine with gilt irons and label, XXXII-386-23 p. inc. cov., with royal shield engraved in copper in the centre, 23 folded PLATES engraved in copper and 1 folded state. 1st and only edition of one of the most famous marine works printed in Spain in the 18th century. The work begins with some first introductory notions of mechanics to continue with the text through three books: the first deals with machines, explaining the theory and use of the lever, motors, rigging, winch, rudder, pumps ... on the means of preserving on board fresh water and those for desalination of salty water, on fans for air renewal and on the use of the barometer. The second book offers the application of several principles of mechanics to maneuvers: the most advantageous situation of riggings, sticks, masts and cocks... the direction with which the seer exerts his strength on them by applying the theory of the composition and decomposition of forces. The third and final one approaches the movements of ships through the effects of rudder, the use of sails, slashes, stowage... Moisture stains and fences on the outer side margin of the engravings. Palau, 54952; Fernández de Navarrete, Biblioteca Marítima Española, 443.