Rare book by Isaac Newton's lab assistant goes under the hammer

Physico-Mechanical Experiments on Various Subjects was written by Francis Hauksbee in 1709 and it details his accounts and experiences working with light and electricity.

The book, which also contained engraved plates detailing Hauksbee's experiments, made £400 when it went under the hammer as part of auctioneers Reeman Dansie's quarterly collectible sale.

Experts had estimated the lot would make between £300 and £500 so the final price was bang on experts' estimations.

However the item could be worth a lot more to the internet collector who made the winning bid with it being an extremely unusual find.

Auctioneer Daniel Wright said: "We discovered this rare volume amongst the contents of a dusty bookcase during an inspection in Great Yarmouth. It’s great to be able to bring it home to Colchester for sale.

"This is an extremely rare first edition volume of Hauksbee’s principle work which he self-published in 1709. Any scientific books of this period are scarce."

Hauksbee was born in Colchester and is one of the most esteemed alumni of Colchester Royal Grammar School.

After leaving school he moved to London where he set about forging a career as a scientist.

Through his association with the prestigious Royal Society he met Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most influential scientists of all time most famous for his laws of motion and universal gravitation theories, who he eventually worked very closely with.

Hauksbee went on to become chief experimentalist for the Royal Society and became known for creating new scientific instruments and experiment techniques.

He died in 1713 with Physico-Mechanical Experiments on Various Subjects his most important work.

Reeman Dansie, which is based in Wyncolls Road, hosts collectible sales every three months featuring items like stamps, postcards, musical instruments, vintage toys and costumes.

Visit reemandansie.com.