Historical information

The author of this book, and many other similar books, was Sir John F. W. Herschel (John Frederick William), 1792-1871. He was a famous mathematician, astronomer, chemist and botanist. In 1838 he was created a baronet, of Slough in the County of Buckingham. The results of his research and discoveries are in use today.

The book is part of Flagstaff Hill's Pattison Collection, a large group of books and records, some of which are rare and valuable. The collection was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute, which was founded in 1853 and is named after Warrnambool's Public Librarian, Ralph Pattison.

Thomas Longman founded his publishing firm in 1724 in London by the name Longman. In August of that year, he bought the two shops and goods of William Taylor and set up his publishing house there at 39 Paternoster Row. The shops were called Black Swan and Ship, and it is said that the 'ship' sign was the inspiration for Longman's Logo. After many changes of name and management, including Longman Brown Green Longman and Roberts, the firm was incorporated in 1926 as Longmans, Green & Co. Pty Ltd. The firm was acquired by Pearson in 1968 and was known as Pearson Longman or Pearson PLC.

Significance

The book is significant for its association with the author, Sir John F W Herschel, and his discoveries and inventions, some of which are still used today..
The book is important for its connection with the London publisher Longmans, Green, Brown, Longmans and Roberts. The firm has been established for over two centuries and is renowned for publishing encyclopedias, dictionaries, books on English grammar, textbooks, poetry, reference books, novels, magazines and more.
The book has additional importance for its connection to the Pattison Collection, which, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institutes’ Collection.
The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and its important role in people's intellectual, cultural and social development throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes.
The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance.

Physical description

Essays from the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews: with addresses and other pieces
Author: Sir John F W Herschel
Publisher: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans and Roberts
Date: 1857
Black cloth hardcover book with embossed gold text on the spine. Inscriptions are on labels, stickers, stamps and handwriting. The book is part of the Pattison Collections.

Inscriptions & markings

The label on spine: "PAT 824 HER"
Sticker on pastedown front endpaper: "Warrnambool Public Library"
Sticker on front loose endpaper: "Corangamite Regional Library Service"
Stamp on front loose endpaper: Corangamite Regional Library Service"
Stamps, two, on fly: "Warrnambool Mechanics Institute"
Handwriting on fly: "155 (crossed out)" "165" "P/W" 4608" "824"