WYLD, Samuel, The Practical Surveyor, or the Art of Land-Measuring Made Easy. Shewing by plain and familiar Rules, how to Survey any Piece of Land Whatsoever, by the Plain-Table, Theodolite, or Circumferentor: or, by the Chain only. 5th ed., (London, 1760), 191 pages and 7 folding copper plates including a particularly nice frontispiece that shows views of an early Sisson theodolite and a Sisson spirit level; the binding is still fairly tight and it appears that there was some minor repair to the binding at some point.  See the attached pics.

In describing use of the theodolite, Wyld states the instrument ought to be pretty nearly horizontal otherwise the angles will not be true.  He suggests some sort of level or plumb bob be used to achieve this, although no great exactness is required.  The author states that if the young Artist will take as much pains in reading as were taken in writing this Treatise, he will become a complete Master of the Art of Surveying.

This is an easy to comprehend text that covers the important elements of land surveying, and contains both technical guidelines and practical suggestions.  It was first  published in 1725, and was very advanced for its day.  Note in comparison that Love's Geodaesia published from 1688 to 1796 contains no information on the theodolite.  With its instrument frontispiece and progressive, clear text, Wyld is a favorite.

I recently sold a nice 1760 Wyld for $350, and this one is equally nice.

Price: SOLD
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