Astronomy.- Newton.- Muggletonians.- Frost (Isaac) Two Systems of Astronomy: first, the Newtonian System, showing the rise and progress thereof, by a short historical account: the general theory, with a variety of remarks thereon. Second, the system in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, first edition, 11 fine plates, engraved by W.P. Chubb & Son and printed in colours by George Baxter, little spotting to text, plates with the odd spot, but generally clean and bright, original cloth, ring stain to upper cover, spine ends, corners and small areas of joints frayed, little rubbed, 4to, Simpkin, Marshall, & Co., 1846.

⁂ Rare first edition. Only three copies have appeared at auction since 1984 (that at Christie's in 2016 making £7,500). Frost was a practicing Muggletonian, the religious sect founded in the aftermath of the English Civil War by Lodowicke Muggleton and his cousin John Reeve, who believed themselves to be the "two witnesses" mentioned in the Book of Revelations. The Muggletonians refuted modern scientific views on the order of the universe and rejected Newtonian physics. The present work compares Newton's heliocentric astronomy to the Muggletonian's preferred geocentric view.

Provenance: Alan Dower (ink stamp to front pastedown).