Treatise on stay-sails for the purpose of intercepting wind between the square-sails of ships and other square-rigged vessels

Illustrated with engraved frontispiece and 14 engraved plates. 8vo. Original publisher's plain paper boards, chipped paper label on spine. London, Published by Baldwin, Cradock and Joy, 1824.

First and only edition of Royal Naval officer Sir Henry Heathcote's demonstration of the effectiveness of his patented design for an improved arrangement of staysails.

The Naval and Military Magazine (1827, Vol. I) reviewed the work, commenting: "However elaborate the diagrams, practical proofs must always be preferred on professional points; and, though the baronet is backed by Euclid, and assures his readers he is supported in his theory by the opinions of experienced officers, it is not too much here to assert, that the majority of both the new and old school will dispute the utility of staysails, in any shape, set upon a wind; and few, it is presumed, will approve of the cut of Sir Henry's jib." The same journal later notes that several naval commanders have reviewed the staysails favorably, and that they have been adopted by the Americans following successful trials.

Boards rubbed and marked, small loss to head of spine; faint ink ownership inscription on top of front cover; later armorial bookplate; interior fine.