Gray's Auctioneers
Timed Auction

From the Library to the Laboratory

Wed, Apr 8, 2026 10:00AM EDT - Wed, Apr 8, 2026 12:00PM EDT
  2026-04-08 10:00:00 2026-04-08 12:00:00 America/New_York Gray's Auctioneers LLC Gray's Auctioneers LLC : From the Library to the Laboratory https://auctions.graysauctioneers.com/auctions/grays/from-the-library-to-the-laboratory-22885
Our first timed auction of the year, features voluminous volumes and curious curiosities. Lot 126, Tielke's volume on the war between the Prussians, Austrians, and Russians, is from the Library of Thomas Howard, the British deserter and United States supporter. Lot 53 isJohn Greaves volume on the history of English weights and measures. Lot 1 is an Andreas Vogler sundial and compass. Lot 7 is a Young & Sons transit and tripod. Whether lost in a book or lost in the woods, there is something to keep the thrill of discovery alive in this short, sweet, auction.
Gray's Auctioneers info@graysauctioneers.com
Lot 87

Set of books on light.

Estimate: $100 - $200
Starting Bid
$50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
Set of 5 books on light.
Books include: LLOYD, Humphrey, Elementary Treatise on the Wave-Theory of Light (1873, third edition); ABBOTT, Jacob, Light (1871); PRESTON, Thomas, The Theory of Light (1912, Fourth edition); WRIGHT, Lewis, Light: A Course of Experimental Optics (1892); DITCHBURN, R. W., Light (1961).

Each volume is approximately 8vo, 400 pp., with index and illustrations.

Largest volume is H: 8 3/4 x W: 6 1/2 x D: 1 3/4 in. Fair to poor. ABBOTT spine splint in numerous places, with front board detached at hinge, but connected to spine via panel. Toning, browning, and foxing throughout. Slight scuffs, bumps, and rubbings to covers and corners. Slight losses to corners of ABBOTT, PRESTON, and WRIGHT. Ink inscriptions and bookplates of previous owners.

When you’re the winning bidder on an item from Gray’s Auctioneers, you have three options for claiming your new treasure: 1. You can schedule an appointment to pick it up at 10717 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. 2. You can arrange for a third party service like UPS to pick up, pack, and ship your item. Two recommended UPS Stores are: store1308@theupsstore.com (440.333.4810); store1016@theupsstore.com (330-725-7033 press 9). 3. If you would like fine art craters or for blanket wrap shipping services, please contact Gray's.

From the Estate of John A. Davidson, Jr. Proceeds to benefit the APL of Lorain County and the Dittrick Museum, CWRU.