Type Specimen. A Specimen of Printing Types Cast in the Letter Foundery of Alexander Wilson and Sons, Glasgow, 1789, 52 leaves, including title-page (dusty), printed on rectos only, some spotting and marks, verso of one leaf with mounted dictionary leaf annotated in contemporary manuscript (adhesive showing though to head and foot of blank margins on recto), facing recto with contemporary marginalia, hinges strengthened, label removed from front pastedown, ownership inscription of M. Orskey to rear pastedown, all edges gilt, contemporary marbled boards, rebacked, tall 8vo (Qty: 1) Bigmore & Wyman III, p. 86; Mosley 214. Rare. Alexander Wilson (1714-1786) was a Scottish astronomer as well as type founder. After graduating from St Andrews University in 1733 he spent some time apprenticed to a surgeon and apothecary in London. In 1742 he set up a letter foundry in St Andrews, transferring his operations to Glasgow in 1744. The elegance of his lettering became renowned, especially his Greek fonts which were used by the Foulis Press. In 1760 he was appointed the first Regius Professor of Astronomy at Glasgow University. In 1769 he noticed changes in the shape of sunspots near the edge of the sun's visible disk that became known as the Wilson Effect.
Type Specimen. A Specimen of Printing Types Cast in the Letter Foundery of Alexander Wilson and Sons, Glasgow, 1789, 52 leaves, including title-page (dusty), printed on rectos only, some spotting and marks, verso of one leaf with mounted dictionary leaf annotated in contemporary manuscript (adhesive showing though to head and foot of blank margins on recto), facing recto with contemporary marginalia, hinges strengthened, label removed from front pastedown, ownership inscription of M. Orskey to rear pastedown, all edges gilt, contemporary marbled boards, rebacked, tall 8vo (Qty: 1) Bigmore & Wyman III, p. 86; Mosley 214. Rare. Alexander Wilson (1714-1786) was a Scottish astronomer as well as type founder. After graduating from St Andrews University in 1733 he spent some time apprenticed to a surgeon and apothecary in London. In 1742 he set up a letter foundry in St Andrews, transferring his operations to Glasgow in 1744. The elegance of his lettering became renowned, especially his Greek fonts which were used by the Foulis Press. In 1760 he was appointed the first Regius Professor of Astronomy at Glasgow University. In 1769 he noticed changes in the shape of sunspots near the edge of the sun's visible disk that became known as the Wilson Effect.
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