The Anderson Ellipsoid or Safe Float System

For Carrying the Foreign Mails, Exports and Imports of Money.

Plans, Specifications, Etc.

by Josiah B. Anderson 

Washington, DC:  Gibson Bros., Printers & Bookbinders, 1897 

Hardback is overall in VERY GOOD condition.

• Burgundy cloth covers with gilt text and blind tooled frame. 
• Boards show some staining, edgewear.  Corners are scuffed, worn.  See photos. 
• Spine is stained, text effaced, with crushed ends.  
• Binding is secure.  
• Patterned end papers/ pastedowns show some toning. 
• Frontispiece is present.
• Foldout charts are crisp and unmarked. 
• Illustrations are bright and clear. 
• Interior exhibits minimal signs of age and wear.  Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
• PS2025.0306

38 pages + 24 plans + 11 drawings. 8 x 10.75 inches

Hardbound volume containing a prospectus for a naval invention, with plans, specifications, a general and specific official estimate, drawings, and laudatory letters in support of the inventor.  Josiah Anderson's invention was a float device that would save the cargo of any sinking steamer with which the device was fitted.  Inspired by the 1895 sinking of the steamer Elbe and the loss of millions of dollars worth of money and valuables in addition to the passengers and crew, Anderson set out to design a floating safe.  His hope was to have his Safe Float adopted by all countries, and with this prospectus he was seeking investors.  It does not seem that this invention was ever adapted, and Anderson's name is known largely thanks to this volume.

Burgundy cloth boards show damp stain at periphery and spine, with wear to the cloth at foot edge and back shoulder.  Interior is unmarked, with fold-out plates in near fine condition.  Overall a Very Good copy.

Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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