LOVETT, Richard. Philosophical essays, : In three parts. Containing I. An enquiry into the nature and properties of the electrical fluid, in order to explain, illustrate and confirm the truth of Sir Isaac Newton's Doctrine of a Subtile Medium or Aether.
II. A dissertation on the nature of fire in general, and Production of Heat in particular. III. A miscellaneous discourse, wherein the forementioned active Principle is shewn to be the only probable mechanical Cause of Motion, Cohesion, Gravity, Magnetism, and other Phaenomena of Nature. To which is subjoin'd, by way of Appendix, a clear and concise Account of the Variation of the Magnetic Needle or Mariner's Compass; by which the Longitude is investigated on the most simple Principles. And, to render the whole more intelligible, a Glossary of Terms is added. By R. Lovett, Lay-Clerk, Of the Cathedral Church of Worcester. A Fool may find what a wise Man hath overlooked.

Worcester : printed for the author, by R. Lewis, Bookseller and Printer, at the Bible and Crown, in High-Street, by whom they are sold. - Also by Mr. Sandby, in Fleet-Street; and J. Johnson and Co. in Pater-Noster Row, Booksellers, in London; and by Mr. Fletcher, Booksellers, in Oxford. &c. &c, MDCCLXVI. [1766].

[2], xxiv, [6], 525, [46] p., plates; with index and a glossary.

Bound in library taped backed boards, with red leather spine label, gilt spine title; deckled edges.



H: 8 ½ W: 5 ¾ in.

LOVETT, RICHARD (1692–1780), author of works on electricity, was born at Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire, in 1692. On 25 Nov. 1722 he was admitted to a lay clerkship in Worcester Cathedral, and retained this position until his death on 8 June 1780. He studied electrical phenomena, and in September 1758 advertised himself as able to effect cures, especially of sore throat, by the use of electricity. Augustus De Morgan, however, describes him as ‘an ether-philosopher, a mere theorist.’ His published works are:

‘The Subtile Medium proved … the Qualities of Æther or Elementary Fire of the Ancient Philosophers to be found in Electrical Fire,’ London, 1756; 2nd pt. 1759.
‘The Reviewers Reviewed, or the Bush Fighters exploded, a reply to Animadversions of the “Monthly Review” on a late Pamphlet entitled “Sir Isaac Newton's Æther realized.” An Appendix on Electricity rendered useful in Medicinal intentions,’ London, 1760.
‘Philosophical Essays,’ in 3 pts., Worcester, 1766.
‘The Electrical Philosopher, containing a new System of Physics, founded upon the principle of an Universal Plenum of Elementary Fire,’ Worcester, 1774.
[Athenæum, 1863, ii. 800; Chambers's Worcestershire Biog. pp. 363, 598; Watt's Bibl. Brit.; Chapter Records in Worcester Cathedral.]

Source: Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900. Condition: Fair. Edges and corners bumped and rubbed, edges soiled; some offset of printing, some foxing throughout.