I??ve had a request for information on a "Burt Patent" Solar Compass made by R. Whitcomb which is mentioned in the book ??They Left Their Mark? by John S. Burt. It was apparently in the possession of the Mt. Diablo Surveyors Historical Society at one time.
We would like to contact anyone with knowledge of this particular instrument and/or information about, or current contact information for, John Burt. I have address, phone number and email for John but they have all proved to be obsolete.
WOW! Amazon has a used copy of this book for $605 bucks!
Sorry I can't help you Rich; I was just shocked at a price like that, for a used book...
Is this normal for old books, similar to this?
Any books that aren't in good supply, and maybe some that are, seem to be offered by scalpers at outrageous prices.?ÿ Sometimes you will see one for hundreds at the same time there are copies available for tens of dollars.
I would imagine Dr. Dick Elgin out of Rolla, MO would be able to point you in the right direction. Pretty easy guy to find and always helpful.