Rational recreations : in which the principles of numbers and natural philosophy are clearly and copiously elucidated

1794 Hooper Paradox Rational Recreations MAGIC TRICK Conjuring SECRETS Optics

William Hooper's "Rational Recreations" is a collection of 18th-century science experiment findings and reports. Hooper, a self-proclaimed natural philosopher, looked to expose many of the visual illusion scams that were prevalent throughout England at the time, exposing them through science. According to Bellion, Hooper's famed treatise,

"revealed the hidden workings of illusionistic devices and instructing readers in do-it-yourself gadgetry"

The most famous of these exposures was, what is now called 'Hooper's Paradox', which can be found on page 286 of the 4th volume of this edition. It did not appear to this degree in the earlier editions, making this 1794 edition all the more valuable. Other notable topics found in this work include the secrets of magician's magic mirrors, creating apparitions, a harpsichord that plays itself, and much more!

Item number: #23733

Price: $599

HOOPER, William

Rational recreations : in which the principles of numbers and natural philosophy are clearly and copiously elucidated

London: Printed for B. Law and Son, 1794.

Details:

· Collation: Complete with all pages; 3 volumes

o Vol. I – [4], xvi, 267, [1]

12 plates

o Vol. II – [4], xii, 280

19 plates

o Vol. IV – [4], xi, [1], 367, [1]

14 plates

p. 286 included, picture of the famous 'Hooper's Paradox'

· References: Pleasing Deceptions by Wendy Bellion; ESTC t72968;

· Language: English

· Binding: Hardcover; tight and secure

· Size: ~9.25in X 6in (23.5cm x 15cm)

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23733

Photos available upon request.