Astronomical manuscript by Henry Ferdinand Pelerin, priced £17,500 at Peter Harrington Rare Books.
The highlight of Peter Harrington Rare Books’ December catalogue is an Enlightenment era astronomical manuscript by Henry Ferdinand Pelerin (1772-1825).
The scientific notebook features hand-coloured illustrations by him. Pelerin was a member of both the Astronomical Society of London and the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (from which the Royal Academy of Arts developed).
He lived near Islington and was an insurance broker by trade. A classic enlightenment figure, he patronised Lloyd’s Coffee House and subscribed to George Frederick Raymond’s History of England and J Moir’s Gospel of Jesus, The Philosophy of Life.
Astronomical manuscript by Henry Ferdinand Pelerin, priced £17,500 at Peter Harrington Rare Books.
In the 175-page manuscript he offers a history of astronomy, depicts the Copernican planetary system, constellations, zodiacs, lunar craters, sunspots and comets and portrays several prominent astronomers.
He weaves in an interest in mathematics, and includes a section on astronomical problems to be solved.
‘Commonplace’ books such as these served as personal compendia for scientific researchers - a way to compile knowledge by writing it down. Pelerin worked on this example for several years, beginning in 1811 but continuing to make notes at least until 1814.
Offered for £17,500, it is one of several Enlightenment texts in the catalogue including Volaire’s Letters Concerning the English Nation.
