This rare set of fifteen hand-colored engraved plates was published for use in classrooms as a teaching aid for the science of astronomy. The diagrams are printed on stiff cardstock, in loose portfolio format. Some of the illustrations are transparent diagrams with cutouts to represent the phenomenon described. These are backed with color tissue so when held up to the light the planets or stars light up in brilliant color. The diagrams have extensive explanations and vignette illustrations of the astrological and meteorological phenomena. The set is accompanied by Reynolds' 16-page pamphlet with descriptions of the sun, solar system, planets, moon, seasons, eclipses, and more astronomical phenomena. Reynolds’ educational diagrams received a prize medal at the International Exhibition of 1862. Original portfolio, maroon cloth covers with black and gold embossed title and decorative frame. These plates were issued over a period of time and distributed both individually and as sets. The plates included in this set are:

The Planets
The Earth and its Atmosphere
Transparent Diagram of the Phases of the Moon
Transparent Solar System
The Earth's Annual Revolution Round the Sun
Comets
Eclipses [and] The Theory of the Tides
The Seasons and Signs of the Zodiac
Telescopic View of the Moon
Methods of Ascertaining the Longitude
Methods of Ascertaining the Latitude
Diagram of Meteorology
The Sun and Solar Phenomena
Comparative Magnitudes of the Planets
Chart of the Heavens

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Condition: B+

The plates are lightly soiled with bumped corners, but overall quite good for items that were intended for classroom use. One plate (Comparative Magnitudes of the Planets) has a tear to the tissue on verso that is not visible from the front and has been closed with archival tape. The portfolio is worn with bumped corners, small abrasions, a sunned spine, and several short tears along the spine. The pamphlet has light soiling and foxing.