My oldest Astronomy book is “A study of the Sky” 1897 Herbet Howe, Macmillan & Co. London.
It is a delight to read and gives insight into the technology and sociology of the age: like this gem that waxes lyrical on how to best keep a watch and have it deliver accurate timekeeping.
“Ladies are especially culpable in the handling of their watches…they let them lie around in bureau drawers or handkerchief boxes….ladies’ watches rarely keep good time”
P.S. My Citizen Satellite Wave watch also fails to keep accurate time if kept in the bureau a for tad too long…