Gauss and Weber, 1833

GAUSS, Carl Friedrich (1777-1855) [and WEBER, Wilhelm (1804-1891)]. Intensitas vis magneticae terrestris ad mensuram absolutam revocata. Goettingen: Dieterich, 1833.
 
First edition of Gauss's most important geomagnetic work. The first product of the fruitful collaboration between Gauss and the physicist Wilhelm Weber, this treatise "is an account of the measurement of magnetic force, containing the first systematic use of absolute units (distance, mass, time) to measure a non-mechanical quantity" (Norman). This was a foundational precursor to the development of experimental investigation of magnetism, allowing observations to quantified in a standardized way. Norman 881.
 
Quarto (242 x 192mm). (Some spotting.) Contemporary flexible cloth, morocco title label gilt-lettered on front cover (a little worming at the joint, a few scuffs). Quarter morocco folding case. Provenance: Charles W. Turner (donated in 1968 to:) – University of Keele Library (Turner Collection bookplate; collection deaccessed via the trade in 1998).