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Photograph of Georgetown Store About J.F. Ptak Science Books
JF Ptak Science Books was founded in 1981 and operated an open shop in Georgetown, Washington D.C. from 1985-2002. From 2002-2009 we operated a fine antique map and print store in the heart of the mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina.  To date all of our business is conducted online. We specialize in unusual, rare and unique material in the sciences and the history of science, with strong concentrations in quantum theory, astrophysics, genetics, atomic physics, computer science and thermodynamics. Also of principle interest are the developing years of new fields of science and technology--the telephone to 1890, computer science to 1955, telegraphy to 1870, automobiles to 1900, powered heavier-than-air flight to 1920, space flight to 1962, and so on. J.F. Ptak Science Books has recently exhibited at professional shows including:
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • American Astronomical Society
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Mathematical Society
  • American Physical Society
  • Astronomical Society of the Pacific
  • Maryland Microscopy Society
  • Washington Antiquarian Bookfair

Science Search - Free Search Service We are happy to search for rare and out-of-print science titles not found in our store--at no cost and no obligation. Simply let us know the name, title and publisher, if known, and we will begin the Science Search. Usually we can advise you within 3 weeks if the book can be located, in what condition, and at what price.
Appraisals
We have conducted estate and other appraisals for clients such as:
U.S. Library of Congress
Smithsonian Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
The Cleveland Medical Museum
American Otolyrngological Society
District of Columbia Government
Please call for appraisal rates and pricing.

Prints, Maps and Objects
We also stock a large selection of fine antiquarian prints and maps from the 16th to 19th century. Interesting scientific objects that you may find in the store include wax models of internal organs of animals, antique telescopes, or 18th century medical bags with original medicine samples intact.

Shipping
All orders subject to availability and/or prior sale. Orders ship within 5 business days. To the best of our ability, we charge only for the actual costs of shipping. The costs listed below are only averages based on typical book sizes and delivery locations. If the actual costs are higher than those listed below or the delivery option which you have chosen is unavailable we will email you with the actual shipping costs and suggestions for less costly alternatives.
You may select from the following shipping options:

USPS Media Mail delivery times vary with destination. They are typically 3-4 days for the eastern US and 4-7 days for destinations in the western US.

Priority Mail is delivered in 2-3 days throughout the US.

Federal Express:

   Ground Service (delivery in 3 - 5 business days; "Fedex Home Delivery" if to a residence);

   FedEx 2 Day Delivery (4:30pm delivery in 2 business days to most U.S.cities);

   Standard Overnight Delivery (3:00 pm delivery to most U.S. cities).

International shipments:

  Surface Mail (4- 6 weeks) $6.50

  Global Priority Mail (3-5 days) $9.00.

Global Priority Mail is not available for all countries and is not advisable for larger books. In these cases the book(s) will be sent Global Air Mail. Rates for Global Air Mail vary greatly but are usually between $12.00 and $20.00.

Shipping Method1st ItemEach Add'l Item
USPS Media Mail $  3.00$  .99
USPS Priority Mail $  5.50$  .99
FedEx Ground $  4.35$  .99
FedEx Home Delivery$  5.60$  .99
FedEx 2 Day Delivery$12.00$2.00
FedEx Standard Overnight$26.00$2.00
FedEx Ground (Alaska & Hawaii) $16.50$1.99
FedEx Standard Overnight (Alaska & Hawaii)$45.00$3.00
FedEx 2 Day Delivery (Alaska & Hawaii)$26.50$2.00
Terms of Sale:
All items sold may be returned within 4 days of receipt if found to be not as described. We acccept Personal Checks, Money Orders, Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and direct wire transfers. Washington, DC residents will be charged 6.00% sales tax. Maryland residents will be charged 5.00% sales tax.

Email: jfptak@thesciencebookstore.com
©2002-2009 by J.F.Ptak Books. All rights reserved. Site maintenance services by Scarlett's Web®