Home >
Ben Franklin's "A Magic Square of Squares" plate...
Ben Franklin's "A Magic Square of Squares" plate...
Item # 652750
Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.
July 01, 1768
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1768
* Ben Franklin's "A Magic Square of Squares" plate
Page 2 has "Interesting Advices from America" with a Boston report beginning: "Last Friday fe'nnight the officers of the customers made a seizure of a sloop belonging to John Hancock..." with more (see photos), followed by other reports of troubles in America.
On an inside page is an article titled: "Suprizing Properties of Numbers placed in Dr. Franklin's Magic Square of Squares" which is a fascinating article describing Benjamin Franklin's amazing numerical puzzle. There is also a full page engraving of this "Magic Square of Squares". More typically this plate is missing from the issue, but it is present here.
Among various reports under the "Historical Chronicle" is an item noting: "Letters from Fort Pitt in America are full of joy on the success of the late congress held there for settling annually all difference with the Indian tribes in that quarter...the famous major Rogers has turned traitor to his country & is now in irons for a conspiracy in order to surprise several fortresses, to kill the commandants, plunder the garrisons,& desert to the enemy.".
Among other articles in this issue are: "Observations on Insects Affecting Fruit Trees" "Hint for the Institution of Downing College" "The Gigantic Stature of the Patagonians Confirmed" & "French Claims on Newfoundland".
Rarely are Ben Franklin-related prints found in 18th century magazines.
The other plate called for: "Lord Chief Justice Mansfield" is present as well.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, full title/contents page featuring an engraving of St. John's Gate, 5 1/4 by 8 inches.
A very nice pre-Revolutionary War magazine from the "mother country" with a wide range of varied content. This was the first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, having begun in 1731 and lasting until 1907.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
