A Treatise on Naval Gunnery. Published with the Approbation and Permission of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. SPLENDID COPY IN CONTEMPORARY BINDING

8vo., Second Edition, with several tables in the text, 5 folding engraved diagrams and 4 folding tables; contemporary half calf, gilt back, marbled boards, sprinkled edges, a remarkably crisp, fresh, clean copy. With an engraved armorial bookplate. A handsome and highly desirable copy of a classic work in contemporary binding. Son of Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Douglas, Sir Howard Douglas (1776-1861) enjoyed a distinguished military career and developed a well-earned reputation for enquiry and innovation. By 1811 he had perfected and patented 'Douglas's reflecting circle'; in 1816 he published an important study of military bridges and in 1819 a treatise on Carnot's system of fortification. He then turned his attention to naval matters and produced the first edition of his famous volume on naval gunnery in 1820. It is a comprehensive study covering theoretical, practical and tactical aspects and its impact was significant. Its success, both at home and in translation, led eventually to the establsihment of 'H.M.S. Excellent' as a gunnery training school.