Dionysius Lardner. Hand-Books of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy...First Course. Mechanics-Hydrostatics-Hydraulics-Pneumatics-Sound-Optics. Philadelphia: Blanchard and Lea, 1858. 

8vo. Diagrams. Contemporary calf, smooth spine with gilt-lettered black morocco spine label.

Front board inscribed "V M Johnson". Inscribed to the front free endpaper: "Maj. Thos. J. Jackson / Professor, Natural / Philosophy. / V.M. Institute / V.M. Johnson / 2nd Class 59". 

An extensively inscribed book from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) graduate and Confederate soldier, Valentine Mason Johnson (1838-1909). Here, he has boldly signed his name to the front cover and extensively inscribed and illustrated the book, including the fore edges, and added a list of fellow VMI cadets.

Notably, Johnson wrote down the professor for whose class the text was required: Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Jackson had taken the post as Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy (Physics) and Instructor of Artillery in the spring of 1851. He was, however, considered rigid and pedantic as a teacher.

At the start of the war, Johnson was elected captain of the "Mount Pleasant Rifles" militia, which would soon become Company "D" of the 30th Virginia Infantry. The 30th Virginia served in Corse's Brigade, Picket's Division, 1st Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia.

Johnson served for several months until he was furloughed in March 1862 due to a family illness. He never returned to the 30th Virginia but took a position as the Superintendent of the Florida Military Institute for the remainder of the war. The cadets there often served in a Home Guard capacity, including guarding Union prisoners and defending the capital. When the Federal fleet landed troops on the Gulf Coast, with the intent to capture Tallahassee, the cadets were rallied and sworn into Confederate service. Along with a small contingent of Confederate troops, Captain Johnson led the young students at the Battle of Natural Bridge, preventing Union forces from crossing the Natural Bridge on the St. Marks River. After the war, he continued his career as an educator.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Books, Ephemera, Documents, Manuscripts, Florida]

Front board partially detached. Scuffing to spine.