The Laws of Chance:

First and only edition of the first book of Samuel Clark, teacher of mathematics, also author of An Easy Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Mechanics (1764), The British Gauger (1761 and 1765) and Considerations upon Lottery Schemes in general (1775). In his preface Clark acknowledges that the best treatment of the subject in English to date is that of de Moivre, but claims that his work is less abstruse and supplies “some other essential parts, such as the summation of series, finding fluents, &c.” which de Moivre omits. From the library of the mathematician and publisher William Davis (1771/2–1807), now best remembered for his three-volume edition of Andrew Motte’s English translation of Newton’s Principia (1803), the only single edition to contain the complete text until modern times.

8vo (194 × 123 mm). Contemporary calf, unlettered, two-line gilt rules to covers and spine. Ink ownership inscription of William Davis to title and on facing blank dated 1792, an earlier inscription on the title skilfully removed; the errata crossed out and corrected in the text by hand. Rubbed, joints and headcaps skilfully repaired, surface wear to back cover, slight soiling to a few leaves towards end, still a good copy.