A Treatise Containing the Practical Part of Fortifications in Four Parts

London: A. Millar, 1755. First Edition. Octavo : pp xxiv, 304 : 8 engraved tables (4 folding) and 26 folding engraved plates : bookplate of George Paterson of Castle Huntley Esq. : previous owner name in bp on ffep dated Edinburgh 1938, "near the monument of the little black dog."

Plates lightly offset; title a little toned; contemporary calf, rather worn; lacking label.

The four parts are as follows: I. The theory of walls, arches, and timbers, with several tables of their dimensions. II. The knowledge of the materials, their properties, qualities, and the manner of using them. III. The manner of tracing a fortress on the ground, the making an estimate, and the executing works. IV. The method of building aquatics, as stone bridges, harbours, quays, wharfs, sluices, and aqueducts. John Müller (1699 - 1784) was a German born mathematician and engineer who moved to London in 1736. He served as deputy head of the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, from 1741 and was appointed first master in 1754. He wrote works concerned with mathematics and fortifications and several were required reading at the Academy. He is credited, together with Thomas Simpson, with transforming this institution into a disciplined cadet academy.

George Paterson of Castle Huntley, Perthshire (1734-1817), was born in Dundee and rose to the rank of surgeon in the British army. He then became secretary to Sir John Lindsay who was appointed to enquire into the relations between the East India Company and the Nawab of the Arcot in 1769. The successful Scotsman then married the Honourable Anne Gray and bought Castle Huntly in Perthshire, which his wife's ancestors had built in 1452 and sold to the Strathmore family. A rather fine portrait of Paterson as gentleman scholar in a pastoral setting with an open book in his lap is now owned by the Dundee Museum. (sources: ArtFund and Art UK websites).