1766 Treatise on Arithmetic by William Cockin - First Edition - Original Leather

2026-01-15T11:28:22-05:00

Price: 375.00

Published in 1766, this is the first edition of A Treatise on Arithmetic by William Cockin an 18th-century mathematical work intended for practical instruction in trade, finance, and commerce.

Bound in its original full leather with a maroon spine label with gilt rules/lettering, presents as a
well-preserved example of a Georgian instructional text. The work is complete in two parts and contains numerous mathematical tables, worked equations, and practical problems throughout, including sections on barter, exchange, insurance, fractions, and decimals—subjects essential to merchants and accountants of the period.

A notable feature is the large folding engraved plate at the rear, illustrating geometric and mathematical figures. The fold-out is present and intact, a key point of completeness often lacking in surviving copies. Two period manuscript annotations appear in the margins adding to the book’s historical character.

Original leather binding intact. Binding tight. Contents complete in two parts, including the folding engraved plate. Pages show age-appropriate toning and some light scattered foxing at prelims. No loose or detached pages. 344pp. + foxing plate.

This title reflects Cockin’s long career as a writing-master and accountant, including his appointment at Lancaster Grammar School and later at John Blanchard’s Nottingham Academy, and stands as a fine example of 18th-century British mathematical pedagogy.

Very Rare

Condition: Very Good + / Remarkable condition

Size: 5 1/4” x 8 1/2”

A scarce work for collectors of early mathematics scientific instruction, or Georgian-era educational books.