The Mysteries of Nature and Art

Second edition, expanded. The "first comprehensive illustrated English book on waterworks and hydraulic machinery. It also includes sections on drawing, painting, recipes, and folk remedies, as well as one on fireworks and incendiary devices largely derivative of earlier English and continental works on the subject ... Bate's influence extended to the young Isaac Newton, who owned a copy of Mysteries, copied extracts from Bate's section on drawing, and was probably inspired by his section on waterworks" (ONDB). STC 1578. Rebound in quarter green calf over decorative boards. 4to. Renewed endpapers. Engraved title page supplied from another edition, along with the proceeding two pages, horse plate, and a few others, lacking author portrait, first three pages supplied either in facsimile or from another edition, scattered soiling, a few small tears to edges of pages, pen markings to some pages.