First edition of a rare Dutch technical handbook on clockmaking, which was considered an important manual for the technical training of clockmakers at the time. It aimed to foster a more intuitive understanding of the concepts instead of explaining rules that students would learn at school. The work is divided into four parts: the first part treating basic mechanics, the second the calculation and design of clockworks, the third clock music, and the fourth sundials. The whole is preceded by an introduction on the history of the profession. The work is illustrated with several technical plates and figures, offering a visual explanation of the concepts described.
Jacob Levi Smit (ca. 1766-1826) was a master clock- and watchmaker from Groningen, with more than forty years of experience. He was born in Friesland and likely learnt the profession in Leeuwarden, where he worked for several years. A number of his clocks have survived. The present work is his only written publication and was intended for the students of the clockmakers school. The publishers preface tell us that Smit passed away on 1 November, just as the main part of the text was being printed. A second edition appeared in 1836, and a third in 2011.
With the owners stamp of M. Passenier, Domburg, on the half title. The spine is slightly rubbed. Several faint water stains in the margins of the plates, occasional very minor foxing. Otherwise in very good condition. NCC 63936431 (8 copies); Saalmink, p. 1788; Tardy, Bibliogr. mesure du temps, p. 233; not in Bibl. Horlogère de Monsieur R.P.; WorldCat.