Cat. 205 illustrated.pdf - Jonathan A Hill, Bookseller
Cat. 205 illustrated.pdf - Jonathan A Hill, Bookseller
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<strong>Jonathan</strong> A. <strong>Hill</strong><br />
<strong>Bookseller</strong><br />
<strong>Cat</strong>alogue <strong>205</strong><br />
recent acquisitions<br />
in science, medicine,<br />
natural history,<br />
chemistry, and<br />
bibliography
jonathan a. hill<br />
bookseller<br />
><br />
catalogue 2o5
Item 73. Maupertuis, 1743 (somewhat reduced)
<strong>Jonathan</strong> A. <strong>Hill</strong><br />
<strong>Bookseller</strong><br />
recent acquisitions<br />
in science, medicine,<br />
natural history,<br />
chemistry, and<br />
bibliography<br />
><br />
catalogue 2o5<br />
new york city<br />
2o13
JonAtHAn A. H I ll<br />
BooKs eller<br />
<strong>Jonathan</strong> A. <strong>Hill</strong> / Megumi <strong>Hill</strong><br />
325 West end Avenue / Apt. 10B<br />
new York, new York 10023-8143<br />
Telephone: [646] 827-0724<br />
Fax: [212] 496-9182<br />
Portable telephone: [917] 294-2678<br />
E-mail: jahillbooks@aol.com or<br />
jojohillnyc@gmail.com<br />
Home page: www.jonathanahill.com<br />
Member: International league of Antiquarian <strong>Bookseller</strong>s,<br />
Antiquarian <strong>Bookseller</strong>s’ Association of America &<br />
Verband Deutscher Antiquare<br />
Terms are as usual: Any book returnable within five days of receipt,<br />
payment due within thirty days of receipt. Persons ordering<br />
for the first time are requested to remit with order, or supply<br />
suitable trade references. residents of new York state should<br />
include appropriate sales tax.<br />
subject index at end<br />
Additional illustrations of many of these books<br />
can be found on my webpage<br />
<strong>Cat</strong>alogue format by Abe lerner,<br />
with cover and front matter design by Jerry Kelly
<strong>Cat</strong>alogue <strong>205</strong><br />
1. ACADÉMIE ROYALE DE CHIRURGIE, PARIS. Recueil des Piéces<br />
qui ont concourru pour le Prix de l’Académie Royale de Chirurgie. Five vols.<br />
Large 4to, early 19th-cent.mottled calf, sides panelled & decorated in gilt,<br />
spines richly gilt, red & green morocco lettering pieces on spines,a.e.g.<br />
Paris: 1770-57-86-78-97. $3500.00<br />
A very important collection. With Vol. IV the title becomes Mémoires sur les<br />
Sujets proposés pour le Prix de …. A mixed set from various editions.<br />
A very attractive collection in handsome state, from the library of François-<br />
Joseph Moreau (1789-1862), the well-known obstetrician-gynecologist and a<br />
highly regarded professor of these subjects (see Hirsch, IV, p. 260).<br />
2. ACADÉMIE ROYALE DE CHIRURGIE, PARIS. Mémoires de<br />
l’Académie Royale de Chirurgie. 89 engraved plates (12 folding). Five vols.<br />
Large 4to, early 19th-cent. mottled calf, sides panelled & decorated in<br />
gilt, spines richly gilt, red & green morocco lettering pieces on<br />
spines,a.e.g. Paris: 1787-69-78-84-74. $6000.00<br />
Reprint of this great collection of medical texts which had originally been<br />
published starting in 1743 and very quickly went out of print. One finds here<br />
memoirs of the most important French doctors and surgeons of the time
Items 1 & 2. Académie Royale de Chirurgie (greatly reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 7<br />
including: R.J. Croissant de Garengeot, F. de la Peyronie (Garrison-Morton<br />
4163–“La Peyronie’s disease”), A. Levret, H.F. Le Dran (Garrison-Morton<br />
2607–“Important discussion on cancer”), J.L. Petit, F. Quesnay, etc.<br />
A very fine and pretty set, from the library of François-Joseph Moreau (1789-<br />
1862), the well-known obstetrician-gynecologist and a highly regarded professor<br />
of these subjects (see Hirsch, IV, p. 260). His name is stamped at the foot of each<br />
volume. With his bookplate.<br />
3. AGRICOLA, Georg. De Re Metallica Libri XII. Quibus Officia,<br />
Instrumenta, Machinae, ac omnia denique ad Metallicam spectantia, non modo<br />
luculentissimè describuntur, sed & per effigies, suis locis insertas, adjunctis<br />
Latinis, Germanicisque appellationibus ita ob oculos ponuntur, ut clarius tradi<br />
non possint. Eiusdem de Animantibus Subterraneis Liber, ab Autore recognitus:<br />
cum Indicibus diversis… Two woodcut plates (one folding, both slightly<br />
shaved at the fore-edge, as often) & about 270 splendid woodcuts (many<br />
full-page) in the text. Froben’s woodcut device on title & on verso of final<br />
leaf. 6 p.l. (final leaf a blank), 502 pp., [37] leaves. Folio, an attractive<br />
modern binding using an old antiphonal leaf (several small wormholes<br />
in the first and last two leaves, first gathering faintly dampstained, a few<br />
gatherings light browned). Basel: Froben, 1561. $9500.00<br />
Second Latin edition, corrected, of “the first systematic treatise on mining and<br />
metallurgy and one of the first technological books of modern times…The De Re<br />
Metallica embraces everything connected with the mining industry and<br />
metallurgical processes, including administration, prospecting, the duties of<br />
officials and companies and the manufacture of glass, sulphur and alum. The<br />
magnificent series of two hundred and seventy-three large woodcut illustrations<br />
by Hans Rudolf Manuel Deutsch add to its value. Some of the most important<br />
sections are those on mechanical engineering and the use of water-power,<br />
hauling, pumps, ventilation, blowing of furnaces, transport of ores, etc., showing<br />
a very elaborate technique”(Printing & the Mind of Man).<br />
This second edition is almost a page-for-page reprint of the first, but is<br />
typographically superior and is printed on heavier paper. The woodcuts are the<br />
same as those in the first edition.<br />
Apart from the defects mentioned, an excellent copy.<br />
É D.S.B., I, pp. 77–79. Hoover 18. Neville I, p. 17. See Printing & the Mind of<br />
Man 79; Dibner, Heralds of Science, 88; Horblit 2b; and Sparrow, Milestones of<br />
Science, p. 8 for the first edition of 1556.
8<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
4. ALDINI, Giuseppe Antonio. Instituzioni Glittografiche, o sia Della<br />
maniera di conoscere la qualità, e natura delle gemme incise, e di giudicare del<br />
contenuto, e del pregio delle medesime. viii, 349 pp. 8vo, early 19th-cent.<br />
sheep-backed marbled boards (occasional light foxing), flat spine gilt.<br />
Cesena: G. Biasini, 1785. $2750.00<br />
First edition of a book which is rather rare on the market; I have not had a<br />
copy before and there was no copy in the Freilich sale. “Virtually an abbreviated<br />
encyclopedia of the major aspects of gem engraving. Topics include history of<br />
the art, principal gemstones and materials used, names of Greek and Roman<br />
gem engravers and their most important productions, the several gem<br />
engraving schools in Italy and elsewhere, a description of the Museum<br />
Odeschalcum, its history, contents, etc., comments on books written about<br />
engraved gems by Agostini, Gori, Passeri, Ficoroni, Galeotti and others, abraxoid<br />
gems, talismanic gems and others of supposed magical power, with remarks on<br />
the superstitions and lore attending them, fake gems and the methods of making<br />
them and how they can be detected, and lastly, remarks on the organization of<br />
engraved gem collections and some famous cabinets, especially in<br />
Italy.”–Sinkankas 66.<br />
Very nice copy.<br />
É Cicognara 2730–(with an incorrect date).<br />
Classic Commentaries<br />
5. ARISTOTELES. Commentaria…Egidii Romani in libros de generatione<br />
& corruptione Aristotelis cum textu intercluso singulis locis. Questiones…super<br />
primo libro de generatione nunc quidem primum in publicum prodeuntes.<br />
Questiones…Doctoris Marsilii Inguem in prefatos libros de generatione…Item<br />
questiones…Magistri Alberti de saxonia in eosdem libros de gene. ultra nusq<br />
impresse. Woodcut initials & woodcut publisher’s device at end. Two<br />
columns, Gothic type. 155, [1] leaves. Folio, attractive antique vellumbacked<br />
wooden boards (lower outer blank corners of a number of leaves<br />
repaired, occasional staining). [Venice: B. Locatellus for O. Scotus, 6 Sept.<br />
1504]. $6000.00<br />
An important early edition of Aristotle’s De Generatione et Corruptione; this is,<br />
I believe, the first to contain the three additional commentaries of Egidio<br />
Colonna (d. 1316), Marsilius of Inghen (d. 1396), and Albert of Saxony (ca. 1316-<br />
90). The De Generatione et Corruptione is one of Aristotle’s most important writings<br />
on physics and natural science and was written during his years at Plato’s<br />
Academy.<br />
Colonna (d. 1316), also known as Giles of Rome, was a disciple of Thomas<br />
Aquinas while a student in Paris. Colonna was the first Augustinian appointed
Item 4. Aldini, 1785
10<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
to teach in the University of Paris and his deep learning earned for him the title<br />
of Doctor fundatissimus. In 1295 he was appointed Archbishop of Bourges by Pope<br />
Boniface VIII.<br />
“Although mainly a philosopher and theologian, Giles frequently dealt with<br />
problems relating to natural philosophy, notable in his commentaries on<br />
Aristotle. Moreover, he did so in a style distinctive enough to place him in the<br />
first rank of those thinkers who have made a positive contribution to the<br />
scientific thought of their time (see Maier, Die Vorläufer Galileis, p. 2)…<br />
“[His commentary on] the De generatione et corruptione…became [a] classic, and<br />
was often utilized by such fourteenth-century physicists as Buridan and<br />
Marsilius of Inghen, who considered Giles the communis expositor of the De<br />
generatione.”–D.S.B., V, pp. 402-03.<br />
Marsilius was a high official at the Universities of Paris and Heidelberg and his<br />
“chief contributions to science lay in the field of physics…His work places him<br />
among the Parisian masters who may be considered to be the precursors of<br />
Leonardo and Galileo and the formers of the new physics of the fifteenth and<br />
sixteenth centuries.”–D.S.B., IX, p. 136.<br />
Albert of Saxony was a prominent teacher on the faculty of arts at Paris.<br />
“Albert’s significance in the history of science is primarily that of a transmitter<br />
and an intelligent compiler of scientific ideas directly drawn from the works of<br />
Buridan, Thomas Bradwardine, William of Ockham, Burley, Oresme, and other<br />
writers in the medieval scientific tradition.”–D.S.B., I, p. 94.<br />
Very good copy. No copy in N.U.C., OCLC, and RLIN.<br />
É Adams A-1792–(false collation).<br />
7. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: ……, M.). Notice des Livres de M. ……<br />
dont la vente se fera le 31 Mars et jours suivans, Rue des Bons-Enfans,<br />
no. 30. 32 pp. 8vo, attractive antique half-calf & marbled boards, flat<br />
spine gilt, uncut. [Paris]: Potey, 1813. $1500.00<br />
Very rare; not in OCLC and the Grolier Club does not own a copy. 458 lots of<br />
very mixed books, mostly of the 18th century, including travel, literature,<br />
botany, and economics. Fine copy from the library of Jean Viardot.<br />
8. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: ANON.). Notice d’un Choix de Bons<br />
Livres, presque tous en Papier Vélin, & en partie reliés par Bozerian, Simier &<br />
Courteval. Dont la Vente se fera les Lundi & Mardi 12 & 13 Avril<br />
1813…dans la salle basse de la maison Silvestre… 15 pp. 8vo, attractive<br />
antique half-calf & marbled boards, flat spine gilt. Paris: Olivier & Brunet,<br />
1813. $1500.00<br />
A very rare sale catalogue; no copy in OCLC or the Grolier Club. This<br />
catalogue, which lists 139 lots, lists recent publications and seems to have been
Item 9. Gancia, 1860 (reduced)
12<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
a dealer’s stock clearance sale. Most of the books were printed on fine paper and<br />
well bound.<br />
Fine copy from the library of Jean Viardot.<br />
“Somewhat Shadowy”<br />
9. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: [GANCIA, G.]). <strong>Cat</strong>alogue des Livres<br />
rares et précieux provenant de la Collection de M. G. G..... de Br...... . xii, 161<br />
pp., one leaf with schedule of sale. 8vo, attractive antique half-calf &<br />
paste-paper boards, flat spine gilt, uncut. Paris: L. Potier, 1860.<br />
$1250.00<br />
Very little is known about G. Gancia, described by Breslauer as a “somewhat<br />
shadowy, obviously Italian, dealer operating in Brighton, England.”<br />
Nevertheless, he was the greatest dealer in England of the period for French<br />
books. He issued a series of catalogues between 1848 and 1858 from 73 King’s<br />
Road, Brighton and was, along with Tross, the chief supplier of French books to<br />
Huth. He was also active as a publisher. Arriving at retirement age, Gancia began<br />
to consign his enormous inventory to the leading auction houses of London and<br />
Paris for nearly twenty years.<br />
The present catalogue seems to be the first of the Paris sales. It describes 1026<br />
quite extraordinary books, mostly French and Italian. We learn from the<br />
auctioneer’s introductory comments that Gancia acquired his stock, now partly<br />
sold here, at the most important sales in London and Paris since 1847: Libri,<br />
Taylor, A. Bertin, Coste, Renouard, etc. and the majority of the books were finely<br />
bound by Niedrée, Trautz-Bauzonnet, Duru, Capé, and Lortic.<br />
Fine copy from the library of Jean Viardot.<br />
É Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie <strong>Cat</strong>holique, Supp., col. 354.<br />
10. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: GOUTTARD). <strong>Cat</strong>alogue des Livres<br />
Rares et Précieux de feu M. Gouttard, par Guillaume De Bure... xvi, 246, [4],<br />
4 pp. 8vo, attractive antique half-calf & paste-paper boards, spine gilt, red<br />
morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: G. de Bure, 1780. $1500.00<br />
An important sale of 1604 lots. Gouttard’s collection was rich in first editions<br />
of classical literature and history and many of the books were on large paper or<br />
vellum and in the finest possible condition. There is a biographical sketch of<br />
Gouttard serving as the Preface in which it is noted that Gouttard edited texts<br />
of Horace and Virgil. All the great collectors and dealers of the period purchased<br />
at this sale, including Comte d’Artois; d’Hangard; Le Camus de Limaire; Loliée;<br />
Gouttard de Le Veville, “héritier du mort”; Anisson du Perron fils; Naigeon; le<br />
Président de Saint-Fargeau; Pâris de Préfond; and the booksellers Bailli, Henri,<br />
Janetus, Tillard and Ysquerdo (buying for the King of Spain).<br />
Very little is known about Gouttard, not even his first name, apart from
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 13<br />
Naigéon’s statement that he had inherited wealth and died at the age of<br />
fifty-four from a disease of the chest. De Bure’s catalogue is an excellent<br />
compilation, with extensive notes to many of the lots.<br />
Fine copy. From the library of Jean Viardot.<br />
É Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie <strong>Cat</strong>holique, col. 468–“Belle collection<br />
de classiques. Ce <strong>Cat</strong>alogue, qui renferme 1600 numéros n’est pas commun.”<br />
Grolier Club, Printed <strong>Cat</strong>alogues of French Book Auctions…1643-1830, 291. Peignot,<br />
p. 101–“Belle collection de classiques: ce catalogue n’est pas commun.” Pollard<br />
& Ehrman no. 296. Taylor, Book <strong>Cat</strong>alogues, p. 243.<br />
12. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: LEBER). <strong>Cat</strong>alogue des Livres imprimés,<br />
Manuscrits, Lettres autographes, Dessins et Estampes, provenant de la<br />
Bibliothèque de M. C. Leber…la vente aura lieu le samedi 3 novembre<br />
1860 & jours suivants… ix, [1], 117 pp., 1 leaf with schedule of sale. 8vo,<br />
attractive antique half-calf & paste-paper boards, flat spine gilt, uncut.<br />
Paris: L. Potier, 1860. $1250.00<br />
This is the second collection of Jean Michel Constant Leber (1780-1859); the<br />
first was donated to the Bibliothèque Municipale of Rouen in 1838. While not as<br />
large as his first library, the present collection — 542 lots of books, 90 lots of<br />
prints (containing altogether about 2000), and 9 lots of objets d’art — was an<br />
important one, rich in books on the arts, ornamentation, and in MSS. on the<br />
history of France.<br />
Fine copy from the library of Jean Viardot.<br />
É Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie <strong>Cat</strong>holique, Supp., cols. 358-59.<br />
The Enormous Library of a Pioneering Historian of Poetry<br />
13. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: LEYSER, Polycarp IV). <strong>Cat</strong>alogus<br />
Bibliothecæ Leyserianæ, in III. Partes distinctus, continens Apparatum librorum<br />
pretiosissimorum, rariorum & insignium, maximam partem<br />
Theologico-Historico-Philologicorum…Die XII. Augusti & seqq.…publicæ<br />
auctionis ritu distrahentur. 1 p.l., 256 pp.; 166 pp.; 79 pp.; 10 pp. Three<br />
parts & appendix bound in one vol. 8vo, cont. boards. Celle: 1726.<br />
$3500.00<br />
The extremely rare auction catalogue of the large and notable library of<br />
Polycarp Leyser (1690-1728), polymath and professor of poetry and history at the<br />
University of Helmstedt. He descended from a long line of scholars and was the<br />
author of the pioneering and still indispensable history of medieval poetry, the<br />
Historia Poetarum et Poematum medii aevi (1721). His library, comprising 25,152<br />
lots, contained many thousands of volumes of 16th- and 17th-century works of<br />
literature, history, medicine, law, and theology, as well as Latin and Oriental
14<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
manuscripts.<br />
Very fine copy.<br />
É A.D.B., Vol. 18, pp. 527-28. Loh, Vol. I, p. 203. N.B.G., Vol. 31, col. 61.<br />
De Bure Corrected<br />
14. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: [MEL DE SAINT CERAN]). <strong>Cat</strong>alogue<br />
des Livres Rares et Precieux de M.*** [Mel de Saint Ceran]. Disposé et mis<br />
en Ordre par Guillaume De Bure, fils aîné. xvi, 312 pp. 8vo, attractive<br />
antique calf, sides decorated in gilt, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece<br />
on spine. Paris: De Bure, 1780. $1750.00<br />
A rare catalogue, of the library of Mel de Saint Ceran, receiver general of<br />
finances. “<strong>Cat</strong>alogue curieux et qui peut trouver place à côté de celui de Gaignat.<br />
Il est fort bien raisonné; et plusieurs notes de l’éditeur corrigent très à propos<br />
quelques articles de la Bibliographie instructive.”–Peignot, p. 112.<br />
Nice copy from the library of Jean Viardot. 2295 lots with an author index at<br />
end. There are some fine early MSS. and bindings in this collection.<br />
É Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie <strong>Cat</strong>holique, col. 492. Grolier Club,<br />
Printed <strong>Cat</strong>alogues of French Books Auctions…1643-1830, 290.<br />
15. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: SAUVAGEOT, Charles). <strong>Cat</strong>alogue des<br />
Livres manuscrits et imprimés, composant la Bibliothèque de M. Charles<br />
Sauvageot…avec une Notice biographique par M. Le Roux de Lincy. xxxi,<br />
175 pp. 8vo, attractive antique half-calf & paste-paper boards, flat spine<br />
gilt, uncut. Paris: L. Potier, 1860. $1250.00<br />
The scarce catalogue of the important library of Sauvageot (1781-1860),<br />
“Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur, Conservateur honoraire des Musées du<br />
Louvre.” From Le Roux de Lincy’s valuable biographical sketch, we learn that<br />
Sauvageot bought primarily from De Bure, Crozet, Techener, and Potier. The<br />
library was particularly rich in early French books, especially literature and<br />
history; there are some early manuscripts as well.<br />
Fine copy from the library of Jean Viardot. 1691 lots.<br />
Priced Throughout in a Contemporary Hand<br />
16. (AUCTION CATALOGUE: [TURGOT, M.É., prob. owner]).<br />
<strong>Cat</strong>alogue des Livres de la Bibliotheque de M.*** [“Turgot” supplied in a<br />
contemporary hand]. Dont la Vente se fera à l’amiable le [blank space to<br />
be filled in] Janvier 1744. dans une des Salles du Couvent des RR. PP.<br />
Augustins. 1 p.l., xi, [1], 514 pp. 8vo, cont. mottled calf (corners a bit
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 15<br />
worn, some worming in blank margin at foot), spine gilt, red morocco<br />
lettering piece on spine. Paris: Piget, 1744. $2500.00<br />
There is considerable confusion regarding the owner of this catalogue; OCLC<br />
offers three possibilities: one is probable, one is possible but unlikely, and the<br />
third is impossible.<br />
1. Probable: Michel Étienne Turgot (1690-1751), the “provost of the merchants”<br />
of Paris and the father of the celebrated economist and minister to Louis XVI.<br />
As a leading merchant and high government official, Michel Étienne was<br />
charged with making Paris a healthier place to live and supervised the<br />
construction of the enormous and controversial sewer along the right bank of<br />
the Seine. Brunet (see below) attributes the catalogue to this Turgot and I agree;<br />
he would have had the intellectual background and financial resources to create<br />
such a large library.<br />
2. Possible but unlikely: Marc Antoine Turgot de Saint-Clair (1668-1748),<br />
“maître des requettes” and “intendant de moulins.” While Bléchet and the<br />
Grolier Club are in favor of this Turgot, I doubt it: he lived in the provinces and<br />
I do not believe he would have had the background or resources to build this<br />
library.<br />
3. Impossible: Anne Robert Jacques Turgot (1726-81), the great economist. This<br />
Turgot would have been only 18 years old when the sale occurred.<br />
Turgot’s library was one of the largest in France at the time; the Preface states<br />
that there were about 10,000 volumes (in 5552 lots). Priced throughout in a<br />
contemporary hand.<br />
É Bléchet, p. 114. Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie <strong>Cat</strong>holique, cols.<br />
537-38–“L’ancienne littérature française offrait un assez grand nombre de<br />
volumes rares et devenus aujourd’hui très-recherchés…Les ouvrages italiens<br />
étaient nombreux et bien choisis…La classe de l’histoire offre une foule de ces<br />
livrets du XVIe siècle relatifs aux troubles de la Ligue et aujourd’hui fort<br />
convoités des amateurs.” Grolier Club, Printed <strong>Cat</strong>alogues of French Books<br />
Auctions…1643-1830, 73. Peignot, p. 128.<br />
17. BAIER, Johann Jakob. Biographiae Professorum Medicinae qui in<br />
Academia Altorfina unquam vixerunt. Engraved frontis. port. of the author,<br />
large engraved vignette on title, & 14 engraved plates, each with a<br />
portrait. Title printed in red & black. 6 p.l. (incl. frontis.), 195, [5] pp. 4to,<br />
attractive antique calf-backed speckled boards, spine gilt, red morocco<br />
lettering piece on spine. Nuremberg & Altdorf: J.D. Tauber, 1728.<br />
$1350.00<br />
First edition of this handsomely <strong>illustrated</strong> work which provides biographical<br />
accounts of the fifteen most important professors of medicine at the University<br />
of Altdorf, near Nuremberg. They include Lorenz Heister, Johann Ludwig
Item 17. Baier, 1728 (much reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 17<br />
Apinus, various members of the Hoffmann family, Johann Jakob Jantke, Georg<br />
Noessler, and Baier himself (his autobiographical account is the longest of all).<br />
For each of the fifteen professors, a finely engraved portrait has been prepared.<br />
Baier (1677-1735), professor of medicine at Altdorf, is best known for his<br />
important studies of minerals and fossils (see D.S.B., I, pp. 392-93).<br />
Fine copy.<br />
18. BEAUFOY, Mark. Nautical and Hydraulic Experiments, with numerous<br />
Scientific Miscellanies. Vol. I [all published]. Engraved frontis. port., 16<br />
engraved plates, & 8 double-page printed tables. 3 p.l., cxix, [1], 688 pp.<br />
Large thick 4to, orig. patterned cloth (a bit worn at extremities), printed<br />
paper label on spine, entirely uncut. London: Printed at the Private Press<br />
of Henry Beaufoy, May 1834. $1500.00<br />
First edition of these important experiments. Beaufoy (1764-1827), the first<br />
Englishman to ascend Mont Blanc, was a founder of the Society for the<br />
Improvement of Naval Architecture, the first such organization to exist. “Under<br />
its auspices an important series of experiments was conducted at the Greenland<br />
Dock during the years 1793-9 by the care, and in part at the cost, of Colonel<br />
Beaufoy. Many useful results in shipbuilding were thus obtained, as well as the<br />
first practical verification in England of Euler’s theorems on the resistance of<br />
fluids. The details were printed in 1834.”–D.N.B., II, p. 51.<br />
This copy has bound-in the extra engraved presentation leaf, inscribed to the<br />
Library of the Writers to the Signet, Edinburgh.<br />
A fine and clean copy of this handsome book. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.<br />
É Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, p. 28.<br />
19. BECCARIA, Giovanni Battista. Dell’ Elettricismo Artificiale, e<br />
Naturale libri due. Woodcut device on title. 4 p.l., 245, [1] pp. 4to, cont.<br />
vellum over boards (somewhat browned as usual). Torino: F.A.<br />
Campana, 1753. $1000.00<br />
First edition of Beccaria’s first book. “The results of Beccaria’s brief, vigorous<br />
study of electricity appeared in his first book, Dell’ elettricismo artificiale e naturale<br />
(1753). The volume, which Franklin praised, presents the elements of the new<br />
theory clearly and logically; illustrates them with variations of Franklin’s<br />
experiments, to which Beccaria primarily added observations of the different<br />
appearances of discharges from positively and negatively electrified points;<br />
modifies secondary aspects of the theory and applies it to new territory; and<br />
seeks to explain meteorological and geophysical phenomena as manifestations<br />
of ‘natural’ electricity…The book also contains a long letter to the Abbé J.A.<br />
Nollet, who had raised objections against Franklin’s system. The Parisian
18<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
Franklinistes thought the letter successful, translated it into French, and thus<br />
temporarily made Beccaria the leading champion of the new system.”–D.S.B., I,<br />
p. 547. Very good copy, printed on thick paper, with half-title.<br />
É Wheeler Gift. <strong>Cat</strong>. 375.<br />
20. BERKELEY, George. Siris: a Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and<br />
Inquiries concerning the Virtues of Tar Water, and divers other Subjects<br />
connected together and arising one from another…The Second Edition,<br />
Improved and Corrected by the Author. 174, [2] pp. 8vo, modern halfcalf<br />
& marbled boards. “Dublin Printed, London Re-printed, for W.<br />
Innys, and C. Hitch…and C. Davis,” 1744.<br />
[bound with]:<br />
HALES, Stephen. An Account of some Experiments and Observations on<br />
Tar-Water: wherein is shown the Quantity of Tar that is therein…To which is<br />
added, A Letter from Mr. Reid, to Dr. Hales, Concerning the Nature of Tar, and<br />
a Method of obtaining it’s Medical Virtues, free from it’s hurtful Oils: Whereby<br />
also the Strength of each Dose may be the better ascertained…The Second<br />
Edition. 1 p.l., 74 pp. 8vo. London: R. Manby & H.S. Cox, 1747.<br />
[bound with]:<br />
PRIOR, Thomas. An Authentick Narrative of the Success of Tar-Water, in<br />
curing a great Number and Variety of Distempers, with Remarks, and<br />
Occasional Papers relative to the subject. To which are subjoined, Two Letters<br />
from the Author of Siris, Shewing the Medicinal Properties of Tar-Water, and<br />
the best Manner of making it. 4, 192 pp. 8vo. “Dublin Printed, London Reprinted,<br />
for W. Innys, C. Hitch, and M. Cooper…and C. Davis,” 1746.<br />
$1750.00<br />
A most attractive sammelband, including Berkeley’s last major work. Siris<br />
“begins as an investigation of the medicinal virtues of tar water and ends with<br />
a disquisition on Platonic philosophy. The body of the book consists, on the one<br />
hand, of a discussion of contemporary chemical theory and, on the other, of a<br />
critique of Newtonian principles of explanation, of space and time, and of the<br />
true interpretation of the concept of causation. The sections on chemistry are of<br />
particular interest, for they display considerable acquaintance with most of the<br />
major chemical doctrines of Berkeley’s period (e.g., Boerhaave, Homberg, Hales,<br />
the younger Lemery, etc.)…Siris thus involves an attempt to assimilate<br />
Newtonian concepts to the more complex phenomena of chemistry and animal<br />
physiology.”–D.S.B., II, pp. 16-17.<br />
Very good copies.<br />
É I. Keynes 67.
Item 21. Berlin, 1711 (reduced)
20<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
21. BERLIN, KÖNIGLICHE AKADEMIE DER WISSENSCHAFTEN.<br />
Kurtze Erzehlung, Welchergestalt von Sr. Kön. Maj. in Preußen Friederich dem<br />
I. in Dero Hauptsitz Berlin die Societæt der Wissenschafften oder zu mehrer<br />
Aufnahme des gelehrten Wesens abzielende Gesellschafft gestiftet worden und<br />
wie dieselbe zu ihrer völligen Niedersetzung gediehen. Mit beifügung des<br />
Stiftungs-Briefs, der Einrichtungs-Gesetze, derer bey der Niedersetzung<br />
gehaltenen Reden und des <strong>Cat</strong>alogi Membrorum Societatis. Engraved vignette<br />
of the Royal observatory on title & one engraving in the text. [60] pp.<br />
Small 4to, cont. vellum over boards. Berlin: G. Schlechtiger for J.D. Pape,<br />
1711. $2950.00<br />
First edition of one of the earliest publications concerning the Berlin Academy,<br />
founded in 1700 by under Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg at the initiative<br />
of Leibniz. The Academy became active in 1710 when it began to publish the<br />
Miscellanea Berolinensia. The present work, which is very rare — OCLC locates<br />
only one copy in the U.S. — describes the organization of the Academy, provides<br />
a brief history of its creation, and gives a list of its members from 1700 to 1711<br />
(which is a roll-call of the leading northern German scientific and literary men<br />
of the period).<br />
Fine copy.<br />
“This Classic Work”<br />
22. BERTHIER, Pierre. Traité des Essais par la Voie Sèche; ou des<br />
Propriétés, de la Composition et de l’Essai des Substances Métalliques et des<br />
Combustibles. 13 folding engraved plates. xxiii, [1], 654 pp.; xxxv, [3], 1008<br />
pp. Two vols. 8vo, cont. marbled boards (heads & tails of spines very<br />
neatly restored, occasional browning or foxing), spines decorated in gilt.<br />
Paris: Thomine, 1834. $950.00<br />
First edition. Berthier (1782-1861), professor of assaying and chief of the<br />
laboratory at the École des Mines, did important work on mineral analysis and<br />
compounds of metals. The present work “was widely used by mineralogists and<br />
mining engineers because his analytical procedures were simple, relatively<br />
accurate, and practical.”–D.S.B., II, p. 72.<br />
Fine and handsome set. Signature of “Chasalle” on both titles.<br />
É Neville, I, p. 135–“This classic work.” Partington, IV, p. 98–“Berthier’s book<br />
on assaying and chemical metallurgy, including some general chemistry, is still<br />
quoted in large treatises.”
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 21<br />
“Very Rare”<br />
23. BERTHOLLET, Claude Louis. Über die Gesetze der Verwandschaft in<br />
der Chemie. Aus dem französischen übersetzt mit Anmerkungen<br />
Zusätzen und einer synthetischen Darstellung von Berthollets Theorie<br />
versehen von Ernst Gottfried Fischer. xii, 332 pp. 8vo, cont. paste-paper<br />
board, red leather lettering piece on spine. Berlin: G.C. Nauck, 1802.<br />
$2950.00<br />
First edition in German of the Recherches sur les lois de l’affinité (Paris, 1801). “In<br />
the preface the translator, Fischer (1754-1831), gives a brief biography of<br />
Berthollet, praising him and listing the titles of his works on the reform of<br />
chemical nomenclature, bleaching, and dyeing. ‘Fischer found Berthollet’s new<br />
view of chemical phenomena so convincing that it is impossible to maintain the<br />
old theory’ (Partington, III, 652). Fischer was professor of physics and<br />
mathematics in the Gymnasium zum grauen Kloster, Berlin, and, on page 232<br />
he ‘gives a clear summary of Richter’s views…and a table of equivalent weights<br />
of acids and bases referred to 1000 parts of sulphuric acid as a single standard’<br />
(Partington, III, 678). ‘This table contains thirteen acids and eight bases,…the<br />
same standard that Richter…had consistently used. At the same time, however,<br />
Fischer criticizes Richter’s series of masses as unacceptable hypotheses’ (D.S.B.,<br />
XI, 437). The section entitled ‘Versuch einer synthetischen Darstellung von<br />
Berthollet’s Theorie’ (pp. 263-332) summarizes the ramifications of the laws of<br />
affinity and mass in chemical reactions. Very rare.”<br />
An early supporter of Jeremias Benjamin Richter (1762-1807), the discoverer<br />
of the law of neutrality, Fischer was instrumental in making Richter’s theories<br />
better known (see Partington, III, pp. 678-79).<br />
Fine copy. Old library stamp on title.<br />
A Proper Basis for Chemistry<br />
24. BERTHOLLET, Claude Louis, Comte. Essai de Statique Chimique.<br />
viii, 543 pp.; viii, 555, [1] pp. Two vols. 8vo, cont. mauve calf (spines<br />
faded to brown, short crack at top of one joint), sides blind-stamped with<br />
an ornate floral pattern, flat spines gilt, single gilt fillet round sides,<br />
ornate ex-libris of the Collège Royale d’Orléans in centers of upper<br />
covers. Paris: Firmin Didot, 1803. $1750.00<br />
First edition of Berthollet’s most important work in which he attempted to<br />
provide a proper basis for chemistry, so that its experimental results could be<br />
viewed in light of theoretical first principles. Here Berthollet laid the foundations<br />
of our understanding of the causes of chemical affinities and reactions.<br />
A fine and attractive set of a rare and important book. There were translations<br />
into English, Italian, and German.<br />
É Cole 122. D.S.B., II, pp. 73-82. Duveen, p. 75. Neville I, p. 138–“One of the
22<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
great milestone books in the development of chemical theory.” Partington, III,<br />
pp. 644-46 & IV, pp. 576-79.<br />
Presentation Inscription to His Mother;<br />
Printed on Thick Paper in Fine Viennese Bindings<br />
25. BISCHOFF, Ignaz Rudolph. Grundsätze der praktischen Heilkunde<br />
durch Krankheitsfälle erläutert. Zum Gebrauche für Wundärzte. xii, 280, [2]<br />
pp., one leaf of errata; 3 p.l., 224, [6] pp., one leaf of errata; xx, 216 pp.,<br />
one leaf of errata. Two vols. in three. 8vo, cont. green sheep, single gilt<br />
fillet round sides, flat spines richly gilt, each in a different pattern, a.e.g.,<br />
rose, orange, & pink endpapers. Prague: G. Haase, 1823-23; Calve, 1825.<br />
$3500.00<br />
First edition of Bischoff’s main work; this is a presentation set, inscribed to the<br />
author’s mother on 9 April 1823, and elaborately bound in luxury green sheep<br />
with each volume bound with a different and elaborate spine design. Each<br />
volume has been printed on thick paper. Vol. I deals with fevers and the second<br />
volume (in two parts) is concerned with thoracic and abdominal illnesses.<br />
Bischoff, Edler von Alternstern (1784-1850), was born in Kremsmünster. In<br />
1813 he became professor at the medical clinic at Prague where he proved to be<br />
a very able specialist in internal diseases. Three years later he was appointed<br />
chief physician at the main hospital of Prague, and in 1826 he came to Vienna to<br />
take the position of director of the medical clinic and professor of clinical<br />
medicine at the famous Josephinum or Medico-Chirurgical Academy, founded by<br />
Joseph II in 1785. Bischoff is an outstanding example of a Viennese physician<br />
who, on the one hand, demonstrated a tendency to clinical observation of the<br />
expiring Stoll-Hildenbrand era while, on the other hand, showed some of the<br />
ideas of the Romantic medicine of the New Viennese school.<br />
He is especially remembered for his efforts in combating the first cholera<br />
epidemic in Vienna and for directing the vaccination program against small pox<br />
in Bohemia. His chief contributions were made as an outstanding practicing<br />
physician and a teacher of clinical methods. His many books demonstrate a<br />
level-headed point of view and a clarity of description.<br />
A fine set bound in handsomely decorated contemporary Viennese bindings.<br />
Rare.<br />
É A.D.B., II, p. 674. Hirsch, I, p. 550. Lesky, The Vienna Medical School of the 19th<br />
Century, pp. 23 & 34. N.B.G., Vol. 6, col. 135. Wurzbach, I, 410–“Bischoff<br />
entwickelte nach den verschiedensten Seiten eine fast unglaubliche<br />
Tätigkeit…Bedeutend sind Bischoffs Verdienste als praktischer Arzt und Lehrer,<br />
aber auch als Schriftsteller hat sich Bischoff um die Wissenschaft durch tüchtige<br />
Werke selbst im Ausland anerkannte Verdienste erworben.”
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 23<br />
26. BOSSUT, Charles. Traité Théorique et Expérimental<br />
d’Hydrodynamique. 23 folding engraved plates. 3 p.l., xviii, 545, [3] pp.; 4<br />
p.l., 515, [1] pp. Two vols. Thick 8vo, orig. boards (extremities a bit worn),<br />
red vellum lettering pieces on spines, uncut. Paris: Imprimerie Royale,<br />
1786-87. $2500.00<br />
First edition of one of the classic works in hydrodynamics and hydraulics. The<br />
second volume is particularly interesting as it describes numerous hydraulic<br />
experiments. The handsome plates illustrate many hydraulic machines including<br />
two devices which produce steam.<br />
Bossut (1730-1814), assumed the chair of hydrodynamics established by Turgot<br />
at the Louvre. He was a major contributor to European scientific education and<br />
his texts represent the emergence of a standardized, rigorous system of<br />
engineering physics textbooks.<br />
A very fine and attractive set in remarkable original state.<br />
É D.S.B., II, pp. 334-35. Rouse & Ince, History of Hydraulics, pp. 126-27.<br />
Presentation Copy<br />
27. BOTFIELD, Beriah. Prefaces to the First Editions of the Greek and<br />
Roman Classics and of the Sacred Scriptures. Collected and edited by… 3<br />
p.l., lxxvi, 674 pp. Large thick 4to, orig. green leather backed boards<br />
(extremities a little worn & scuffed), spine lettered in gilt. London: H.G.<br />
Bohn, 1861. $300.00<br />
First edition of this useful work which has not been superseded within a single<br />
pair of covers. Tipped-in is a brief letter from Botfield presenting this copy to “Sir<br />
Thomas” (no, not that Sir Thomas) at Stanford, dated 11 June 1862.<br />
From 1850, Botfield (1807-63), antiquary and industrialist, alone controlled the<br />
Shropshire collieries and ironworks which were the basis of the Botfield fortune.<br />
A notable book collector and member of the Roxburghe Club, he produced a<br />
number of volumes that reflected his interests in early printed books and<br />
manuscripts.<br />
Very good copy. Armorial bookplate signed “T.E. Winnington.”<br />
28. BOYLE, Robert. The Works…to which is Prefixed the Life of the<br />
Author. Engraved frontis. port. of Boyle, engraved vignettes on titles, &<br />
24 engraved plates on 15 folding sheets. Titles printed in red & black.<br />
Five vols. Large folio, a prize binding of cont. calf (several joints cracked<br />
but strong, some rubbing & wear), arms in gilt of Trinity College, Dublin,<br />
on covers, spines gilt, contrasting leather lettering pieces on spines.
24<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
London: A. Millar, 1744. $9500.00<br />
First edition of Boyle’s Works in English. “The first complete edition of his<br />
writings was published by Birch in 1744…It included his posthumous remains<br />
and correspondence, with a life of the author founded on materials collected<br />
with abortive biographical designs by Burnet and Wotton, and embracing<br />
Boyle’s unfinished narrative of his early years entitled ‘An account of Philaretus<br />
during his Minority.’ More or less complete Latin editions of his works were<br />
issued at Geneva in 1677, 1680, and 1714; at Cologne in 1680-95; and at Venice<br />
in 1695.”–D.N.B., II, p. 1030.<br />
“During Robert Boyle’s lifetime there was a great demand for his writings not<br />
only in England but on the Continent, this no doubt reflecting the dramatic<br />
upsurge of interest in the sciences and particularly in those having a bearing on<br />
biology and medicine. But his work must have been equally in demand by<br />
physical scientists. Hence it is no surprise that a collected edition appeared<br />
during his lifetime, to wit, the Geneva Opera Varia of 1677 (reprinted in 1680)…In<br />
English there were two collected editions: the five-volume folio edited by<br />
Thomas Birch and published at London in 1744 and the six-volume quarto of<br />
1772 based on the earlier folio edition.”–Fulton p. 143.<br />
Very good set with the engraved prize bookplate in each volume.<br />
É Fulton 240.<br />
29. BOYLE, Robert. The Works…to which is Prefixed The Life of the<br />
Author. Engraved frontis. port. of Boyle, engraved vignettes on titles, &<br />
24 engraved plates on 16 sheets (mostly folding). Six vols. Large 4to, cont.<br />
russia (rebacked, hinges strengthened with tape, corners rounded), a.e.g.<br />
London: J. & F. Rivington et al., 1772. $6750.00<br />
Second edition of Boyle’s Works in English. “The first complete edition of his<br />
writings was published by Birch in 1744…It included his posthumous remains<br />
and correspondence, with a life of the author founded on materials collected<br />
with abortive biographical designs by Burnet and Wotton, and embracing<br />
Boyle’s unfinished narrative of his early years entitled ‘An account of Philaretus<br />
during his Minority.’ More or less complete Latin editions of his works were<br />
issued at Geneva in 1677, 1680, and 1714; at Cologne in 1680-95; and at Venice<br />
in 1695.”–D.N.B., II, p. 1030.<br />
“During Robert Boyle’s lifetime there was a great demand for his writings not<br />
only in England but on the Continent, this no doubt reflecting the dramatic<br />
upsurge of interest in the sciences and particularly in those having a bearing on<br />
biology and medicine. But his work must have been equally in demand by<br />
physical scientists. Hence it is no surprise that a collected edition appeared<br />
during his lifetime, to wit, the Geneva Opera Varia of 1677 (reprinted in 1680)…In<br />
English there were two collected editions: the five-volume folio edited by<br />
Thomas Birch and published at London in 1744 and the six-volume quarto of
Item 30. Brahe, 1792 (reduced)
26<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
1772 based on the earlier folio edition.”–Fulton p. 143.<br />
This edition contains a new appendix to the Life and is the edition which has<br />
been used as the standard reference for all scholarly work on Boyle.<br />
Good set, fine inside. Armorial bookplate of J.H. Loft.<br />
É Fulton 241.<br />
30. (BRAHE, Tycho). De Meritis Tychonis Brahe in Astronomiam<br />
Mechanicam Dissertatio. By O. Schilling (präses) & Adolph. P. Weller<br />
(resp). One folding engraved plate. 13 pp. Small 4to, stitched as issued.<br />
Uppsala: J. Edman, 1792. $950.00<br />
First edition of this very rare dissertation describing the celestial mechanics of<br />
Brahe. Schilling (1758-1829), was an astronomer at the Uppsala University<br />
observatory. The attractive engraved plate depicts a number of the astronomical<br />
instruments devised by Tycho.<br />
Fine copy.<br />
É Poggendorff, II, 798.<br />
31. BRANDE, William Thomas. A Manual of Chemistry; containing the<br />
Principal Facts of the Science, arranged in the Order in which They are discussed<br />
and <strong>illustrated</strong> in the Lectures at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Second<br />
edition. Folding engraved frontis., three engraved plates (two are<br />
folding), & woodcut illus. in the text. xvi, 470 pp.; vii, [1], 546 pp.; viii,<br />
350, [105] pp., one leaf with imprint. Three vols. 8vo, cont. half-calf<br />
(minor foxing), blue & green morocco labels on spines. London: J.<br />
Murray, 1821. $400.00<br />
Second edition, much enlarged, of the principal textbook of chemistry of its<br />
day, with a greatly expanded history of chemistry and index, and additional text.<br />
“The Manual of Chemistry became a hugely successful and influential textbook<br />
and formed the model for many subsequent chemical textbooks by other<br />
authors.”–O.D.N.B. Michael Faraday was Brande’s assistant at the Royal<br />
Institution, where much of this work was written in the laboratory, described in<br />
the O.D.N.B. as “the best-equipped laboratory in Britain.” It is <strong>illustrated</strong> in the<br />
fine folding frontispiece.<br />
A nice set but lacking the final leaf in Vol. I (containing imprint only).<br />
É Cole 196. Duveen, p. 99. Partington IV, pp. 75–76.
Item 33. Busch, 1573 (reduced)
28<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
Presentation Copy to Duhamel du Monceau<br />
A “Celebrated Classic”<br />
32. BRISSON, Mathurin-Jacques. Regnum Animale in Classes IX<br />
distributum, sive Synopsis Methodica Sistens Generalem Animalium<br />
distributionem in Classes IX, & duarum primarum Classium, Quadrupedum<br />
scilicet & Cetaceorum, particularem divisionem in Ordines, Sectiones, Genera<br />
& Species [with facing title-page in French]. Two folding printed tables &<br />
one folding engraved plate. 3 p.l., [iii]-vi, [2], 382, [2] pp. 4to, cont. calf<br />
(corners a bit worn), triple gilt fillet round sides, spine nicely gilt, red &<br />
brown morocco lettering pieces on spine, a.e.g. Paris: C.J.B. Bauche, 1756.<br />
$1750.00<br />
First edition “of this celebrated classic...[it] is regarded as next in authority to<br />
the Linnaean productions.”–Wood, p. 257. This is a fine presentation copy from<br />
Brisson to Duhamel du Monceau (1700-82), French polymath, who made notable<br />
contributions in agronomy, chemistry, botany, and naval technology. Brisson<br />
has inscribed on the free front-endpaper: “A Monsieur Duhamel, de la part de<br />
son tres humble serviteur. Brisson.”<br />
Brisson (1723-1806), was a close collaborator of Lavoisier and successor of<br />
Nollet to the chair of experimental physics at the Collège de Navarre. He was an<br />
important and influential disseminator of the ideas of physics through his<br />
teaching and writings. In 1756, Brisson “published the Règne animal, a bilingual<br />
work with Latin and French texts printed side by side. In it he announced the<br />
project [to give a general description of the animal world], presented the<br />
classification, and dealt with the study of the first two classes: quadrupeds and<br />
cetaceans.”–D.S.B., II, p. 474.<br />
Fine and pretty example and a very appealing association copy. Text in Latin<br />
and French in parallel columns.<br />
The Nova of 1572<br />
33. BUSCH, Georg. Von dem Cometen, Welcher in diesem 1572. Jar, in dem<br />
Monat Novembris erschienen… Woodcut illus. on title of the new star in<br />
the heavens. 14 unnumbered leaves. Small 4to, attractive modern<br />
vellum-backed marbled boards. N.p.: [1573]. $5500.00<br />
An early edition of this extremely rare work on the famous new star of 1572,<br />
one of the most important events in 16th-century astronomical history. Partly<br />
because of its long duration, and also because of the interesting problems which<br />
it presented, nearly every astronomer in Europe directed his attention to the<br />
nova, including Dee and Digges in England and Tycho Brahe (to which he<br />
devoted his rare first book). The star’s appearance greatly contributed to the<br />
gradual acceptance of the Copernican theory due to the controversy it caused
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 29<br />
amongst astronomers.<br />
In this work, Busch (d. 1590?), a native of Nuremberg and an artist and<br />
amateur astronomer, found a parallax of 22 0 40’ for the nova. He provides a very<br />
detailed account of his observations of the new star. Busch also observed the<br />
comet of 1577 and published a work on it.<br />
Books on the 1572 nova are extremely rare today on the market. This work was<br />
apparently first published in Augsburg in 1572 (Zinner 2574) and Zinner lists<br />
about six editions in 1573 (but the texts may vary).<br />
Very good and large copy. Bookplate of Marcel Destombes.<br />
É Gingerich, Rara Astronomica, 18–(Augsburg ed.). H. Ludendorff, “Die<br />
Kometen-Flugschriften des XVI. und XVII. Jahrhunderts” in Zeitschrift für<br />
Bücherfreunde (1908-09), pp. 503-04. Poggendorff, I, 350. Zinner 2612.<br />
34. [BUSSON-DESCARS, Pierre]. Essai sur le Nivellement. Nine folding<br />
engraved plates. 2 p.l., 218 pp. 8vo, cont. marbled calf, flat spine nicely<br />
gilt. Paris: Firmin-Didot & Delance, 1805. $1500.00<br />
First edition, and a very pretty copy, of this popular work on surveying which<br />
saw a second edition in 1813. The book was written upon the retirement of<br />
Busson-Descars (1764-1825), who had spent 25 years as a practicing engineer and<br />
surveyor. He describes a number of surveying instruments, including several of<br />
his own invention. The plates are particularly well-engraved and depict in 68<br />
figures various parts of surveying instruments and methods of surveying.<br />
Fine copy.<br />
Making Alcoholic Cider<br />
35. CHAMBRAY, Louis, Marquis de. L’Art de faire le Bon Cidre, avec la<br />
maniere de cultiver les Pommiers et Poiriers, selon l’usage de la Normandie. 66,<br />
[2] pp. 12mo, orig. blue wrappers, uncut. Paris: Lamy, 1782. $1250.00<br />
Second edition with this title; the text was originally published in 1765 with<br />
the title L’Art de cultiver les Pommiers, les Poiriers…. This work was extremely<br />
successful; it describes the making of alcoholic drinks from apples and pears.<br />
Tracing the custom of making and drinking of cider from Africa to Spain and<br />
then to Normandy, Chambray recommends cider as an alternative to wine when<br />
the soil does not permit the cultivation of the vine. Chapters discuss the<br />
cultivation of apple and pear trees, grafting, the best species of apples from<br />
which to make cider, when and how to harvest apples, methods of making cider,<br />
and a final chapter on pears.<br />
Fine copy in original state.<br />
É Vicaire, p. 159.
30<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
36. CHAPTAL, Jean Antoine Claude. Élémens de Chimie. Quatrième<br />
édition. 3 p.l., [iii]-xcii, 361 pp.; 2 p.l., 458 pp.; 2 p.l., 496 pp. Three vols.<br />
8vo, cont. calf-backed boards (mild foxing at beginning of Vol. I, three<br />
joints a bit cracked), spines gilt, red leather lettering pieces on spines.<br />
Paris: Deterville, 1803. $550.00<br />
Fourth edition, essentially a reprint of the revised and expanded third edition.<br />
This was one of the most important textbooks of chemistry of the period; it was<br />
written for the course of chemistry which Chaptal gave at Montpellier where he<br />
was appointed to the new chair of chemistry in 1780. In this work, Chaptal<br />
“develops the general principles, pointing out their consequences and their<br />
applications. He adopts Lavoisier’s oxygen theory which he found of great<br />
benefit in both theoretical and practical chemistry. In this work he proposes that<br />
the name azote be changed to nitrogene.”–Cole, p. 105.<br />
A very clean and attractive set.<br />
É Cole 257. D.S.B., III, pp. 198–203. Partington, III, pp. 557–560.<br />
Placed in the First Rank of Scientific Thinkers<br />
37. COLONNA, Egidio, Archbishop. Commentaria in octo libros<br />
phisicorum Aristotelis. 229 numbered leaves. Two columns, Gothic type.<br />
Folio, attractive antique vellum-backed wooden boards (55 mm. blank<br />
portion at head of first leaf renewed, occasional light staining). [Venice:<br />
A. de Torresano de Asola, 26 Sept. 1502]. $4500.00<br />
Early edition (1st ed.: Padua,1493) of this rare commentary on Aristotle’s<br />
Physics by Colonna (d. 1316), also known as Giles of Rome. A disciple of Thomas<br />
Aquinas while a student in Paris, Colonna was the first Augustinian appointed<br />
to teach in the University of Paris and his deep learning earned for him the title<br />
of Doctor fundatissimus. In 1295 he was appointed Archbishop of Bourges by Pope<br />
Boniface VIII.<br />
“Although mainly a philosopher and theologian, Giles frequently dealt with<br />
problems relating to natural philosophy, notable in his commentaries on<br />
Aristotle. Moreover, he did so in a style distinctive enough to place him in the<br />
first rank of those thinkers who have made a positive contribution to the<br />
scientific thought of their time (see Maier, Die Vorläufer Galileis, p. 2). It is chiefly<br />
in his commentary on the Physics, written around 1277, that he considered<br />
scientific problems…<br />
“Among Giles’s theses that have attracted the attention of more recent<br />
historians of science are those relating to quantity, which led him to admit the<br />
existence of natural minima below which concrete material substance cannot<br />
exist and which thus imply an atomistic theory of matter. The study of<br />
movement induced him to investigate the nature of a vacuum, to which he<br />
attributed a kind of suction force, observable with the aid of the clepsydra, the
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 31<br />
cupping glass, or the siphon…His observations on the accelerated motion of<br />
falling bodies have similarly been noted.”–D.S.B., V, p. 402.<br />
Very good copy.<br />
É Sarton, Vol. II, Pt. II, pp. 922-26.<br />
With a Contribution by Newton<br />
38. CRAIG, John. De Calculo Fluentium Libri Duo. Quibus Subjunguntur<br />
Libri Duo De Optica Analytica. Numerous woodcut diagrams in the text.<br />
[8], 92 pp. Large 4to, cont. panelled calf (well-rebacked by Middleton, a<br />
little spotted at end). London: ex Officina Pearsoniana, 1718. $5500.00<br />
First edition of the third of Craig’s major books but the first in order of<br />
composition. Craig (d. 1731), a fellow of the Royal Society and a good friend of<br />
Newton, was one of the very few in Britain to realize the vast possibilities of the<br />
calculus and was the most zealous of all English mathematicians in its use.<br />
The present work, important for its advances in the calculus, is particularly<br />
interesting for the Preface in which Craig states that he showed the manuscript<br />
of the present book to Newton in 1685. Newton corroborated several objections<br />
raised by Craig to Tschirnhausen and contributed two equations of curves. Craig<br />
also provides an account of the steps that led to his interest in the fluxional<br />
calculus.<br />
Craig’s writings on optics (the second part of this book) have been largely<br />
ignored by historians of science.<br />
A fine crisp copy. Early engraved armorial bookplate of W. C. Mylne.<br />
É D.S.B., III, pp. 458-59.<br />
“Le Plus Grand Ouvrage d’Astronomie Analytique”<br />
39. DIONIS DU SÉJOUR, Achille Pierre. Traité Analytique des<br />
Mouvemens apparens des Corps célestes. Seven folding engraved plates. 2<br />
p.l., xxxx, 738 pp., 1 leaf of errata; 2 p.l., 680, lvi pp. Two vols. Large 4to,<br />
cont. sheep (a little rubbed, head of spine of Vol. I a bit chipped), spines<br />
gilt, red & green morocco lettering pieces on spines. Paris: la Veuve<br />
Valade, 1786-89. $5750.00<br />
First edition. “From 1764 to 1783 he [Dionis] wrote a series of important<br />
memoirs on the application of the most recent analytic methods to the study of<br />
the principal astronomical phenomena (eclipses, occultations, reductions of<br />
observations, determination of planetary orbits, etc.). Revised and coordinated,<br />
these memoirs were reprinted in the two-volume Traité analytique des mouvements<br />
apparents [sic] des corps célestes (1786-1789), of which Delambre gives a detailed<br />
analysis…All these works are dominated by an obvious concern for rigor and by<br />
a great familiarity with analytical methods…their reexamination in the light of
32<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
present possibilities of calculation would certainly be fruitful.”–D.S.B., IV, p. 107.<br />
Very good set.<br />
É Lalande, p. 599–“Le plus grand ouvrage d’astronomie analytique.”<br />
The Facsimile of the Famous Byzantine Dioscorides MS.<br />
at the Morgan Library<br />
40. DIOSCORIDES. Pedanii Dioscuridis Anazarbaei De Materia Medica<br />
Libri VII. Accedunt Nicandri et Eutecnii Opuscula Medica. Codex<br />
Constantinopolitanus Saeculo X. exaratus et picturis illustratus olim<br />
Manuelis Eugenici, Caroli Rinuccini Florentini, Thomae Phillipps angli<br />
nunc inter Thesauros Pierpont Morgan Bibliothecae asservatus. 771<br />
magnificent black & white photographic reproductions of the binding,<br />
endpapers, and every page of the manuscript. One blank leaf, one title<br />
leaf, 200 sheets with 399 plates, one blank leaf; one blank leaf, one title<br />
leaf, 187 sheets with 372 plates, one blank leaf. Two vols. Large folio (480<br />
x 375 mm.), loose in sheets, each volume contained in modern strong &<br />
handsome boxes. Paris: [Privately Printed], 1935. $1250.00<br />
The magnificent facsimile, privately printed in 200 sets only, of one of the<br />
greatest medieval MSS. in the Morgan Library: the famous Byzantine<br />
Dioscorides Materia Medica, written in Greek minuscule and <strong>illustrated</strong> with 769<br />
gouache illustrations on 385 leaves about 930-70 in Constantinople. The<br />
manuscript was bound in Byzantium in the 14th or 15th century in dark brown<br />
leather blind tooled in a lozenge pattern over heavy boards. It was in<br />
Constantinople in the 15th century and came to Italy in the beginning of the<br />
19th century. Purchased by Payne from the Rinuccini family in Florence, it was<br />
sent to auction on the 30th of April 1857 in London. Sir Thomas Phillipps bought<br />
it; this manuscript was apparently the most expensive single item ever<br />
purchased by him. In 1920, J.P. Morgan, Jr. acquired the manuscript from<br />
Phillipps’s estate and it is now Pierpont Morgan Library MS. No. 652.<br />
Dioscorides (fl. A.D. 50-70), “wrote an encyclopaedia of materia medica in five<br />
books which embodied the results of Greek research in pharmacy and applied<br />
botany and was far better arranged and more complete than the earlier<br />
compilations. This work remained authoritative for more than fifteen<br />
centuries…Dioscorides’s work is of importance also for the history of ancient<br />
chemistry, as it describes simple chemical preparations…mentions the earliest<br />
reaction of wet analysis…”–Sarton, I, pp. 258-59.<br />
Fine set with the plates superbly printed on heavy BFK Rives paper.
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 33<br />
41. DUBLIN PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL, AND SCIENTIFIC<br />
REVIEW. Vols. I & II [all published]. Plates (some folding). Two vols.<br />
8vo, cont. half-sheep & marbled boards (rubbed). Dublin: Hodges &<br />
McArthur; London: Longman et al., 1825-26. $2750.00<br />
This is a very rare journal and the contributors, who include John Brinkley,<br />
Bartholomew Lloyd, Dionysius Lardner, Richard Lovell Edgeworth, Alexander<br />
Nimmo, and Charles Giesecke, represent the efforts of scientific pioneers to put<br />
Ireland on the scientific map.<br />
This set lacks Part VI of Vol. II (pp. 443-608). The set at the National Library of<br />
Ireland also lacks this final part.<br />
Very good set. Bookplate of Robert Montgomery Convoy.<br />
Forests<br />
42. DUHAMEL DU MONCEAU, Henri Louis. Des Semis et Plantations<br />
des Arbres, et de leur Culture; ou Méthodes pour multiplier et élever les Arbres,<br />
les planter en Massifs & en Avenues; former les Forêts & les Bois; les entretenir,<br />
& rétablir ceux qui sont dégradés: faisant partie du Traité complet des Bois & des<br />
Forêts. Seventeen folding engraved plates & engraved vignettes. 2 p.l.,<br />
lxxx, 383, 27, 10 pp. Large 4to, cont. marbled calf (corners a little worn,<br />
upper joint with short crack at foot), triple gilt fillet round sides, spine<br />
nicely gilt, a.e.g., red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: H.L. Guerin<br />
& L.F. Delatour, 1760. $3750.00<br />
First edition and an attractive copy, complete with the two Additions. Duhamel<br />
(1700-82), French polymath, made notable contributions in agronomy, chemistry,<br />
botany, and naval technology. His major interest and contribution to technology<br />
and society was in agriculture. Duhamel “adapted Tull’s system to France based<br />
on his own wide reading in French agronomy and on original<br />
experiments.”–D.S.B., IV, p. 224.<br />
One of Duhamel’s main interests was the cultivation and use of timber; this<br />
is one of his chief books on the subject. “The sections of the book discuss the soil,<br />
the climate, and the choice of trees; their propagation; nursery gardens;<br />
planting; forests; and maintenance and re-afforestation, with all instructions<br />
based firmly on the author’s long experience of forestry.”–Raphael, An Oak<br />
Spring Sylva, 34.<br />
The attractive plates depict methods of grafting, agricultural implements, etc.<br />
Fine copy. 19th-century bookplate of F. Allard.<br />
É Stafleu & Cowan 1545.
34<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
The Natural History Collections at Dresden<br />
43. [EILENBURG, Christian Heinrich]. Description du Cabinet Roial de<br />
Dresde touchant l’Histoire Naturelle [with facing title in German]. Engraved<br />
arms on each title, two engraved folding plates, & two engraved<br />
headpieces depicting the Zwinger. 2 p.l., 102, 102, [1] pp. Large 4to, orig.<br />
blue wrappers (a little soiled). Dresden & Leipzig: G.C. Walther, 1755.<br />
$5000.00<br />
First edition of “the first separate catalogue of the Dresden natural history<br />
collections housed in the magnificent baroque Zwinger (built by Poeppelmann<br />
in 1711), which also accommodated the Dresden print cabinet. This catalogue is<br />
one of the fruits of Augustus the Strong’s reorganisation of the old Dresden<br />
Wunderkammer into a number of specialised collections. The collection of ancient<br />
marbles was similarly catalogued in 1733, and the prehistoric and mineralogical<br />
collections in 1749; other departments of the museum followed in the nineteenth<br />
century…<br />
“Fossils and petrifactions, animal skeletons and specimens, corals and shells<br />
were all represented in profusion, but oddities and natural curiosities still<br />
abound in the form of ‘Missgeburten’, peculiarly shaped plants, and two pieces<br />
of gold and silver supposedly transmuted from copper and lead by Johann<br />
Friedrich Boettger, better known for his rediscovery of the art of making<br />
porcelain. The final chapter is devoted to a model of Solomon’s temple,<br />
constructed over a period of twenty years from Biblical references by a Hamburg<br />
gentleman named Schott. The model had been admired by Peter the Great and<br />
exhibited in London where a pamphlet about it was issued in 1725. The folding<br />
plates give ground-plans of the Zwinger.”–Grinke, From Wunderkammer to<br />
Museum, 50.<br />
Very nice and large copy. This is the issue interleaved with both the French<br />
and German text. Titles a little soiled.<br />
É Murray, I, pp. 207-8.<br />
Bought By Bünau<br />
44. (ENGEL, Samuel). Bibliotheca Selectissima sive <strong>Cat</strong>alogus Librorum in<br />
omni genere scientiarum rarissimorum. Quos maximis sumptibus,<br />
summoque Studio ac Cura, per plurimos Annos collegit, nunc vero<br />
Venum exponit Samuel Engel… Title in red & black. 8 p.l., 186, 39, 62 pp.<br />
8vo, cont. half-sheep & speckled boards over wooden boards (one corner<br />
defective), spine nicely gilt, contrasting leather lettering piece on spine.<br />
Bern: Typis F.S. Faetscher, 1743. $2500.00<br />
The inventory sale catalogue of the library of books and MSS. of Engel<br />
(1702-84), the Swiss geographer and economist who played an important role in
Item 43. Eilenburg, 1755
36<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
the internal and external affairs of Switzerland. This was a fine library with<br />
many outstanding books and MSS.; it was purchased en bloc by Count Bünau<br />
in 1744.<br />
Very good copy.<br />
É Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie <strong>Cat</strong>holique, cols. 594-95. Peignot, p.<br />
392. Pollard & Ehrman, p. 215 & number 221. Taylor, Book <strong>Cat</strong>alogues, pp. 8, 14,<br />
& 239-40.<br />
Three Rare Electrical Works with<br />
References to Franklin<br />
45. FELBIGER, Johann Ignaz. Die Kunst Thürme oder andere Gebäude vor<br />
den schädlichen Wirkungen des Blitzes durch Ableitungen zu bewahren,<br />
angebracht an dem Thurm der Saganischen Stifts- und Pfarrkirche. One large<br />
folding engraved plate. 110, [2] pp. 8vo, cont. half-pigskin & paste-paper<br />
boards (light foxing). Breslau: J.F. Korn, 1771.<br />
[bound with]:<br />
—. Wie weit gewähren wohl Gewitterableiter Sicherheit für umstehende<br />
Gebäude? Aus Erfahrungen und darauf sich beziehenden Schlüssen beantwortet.<br />
Two folding engraved plates on one sheet. 38 pp. 8vo. Pressburg:<br />
Schauff, 1786.<br />
[bound with]:<br />
WEBER, Joseph. Neue elektrische Versuche. 24 pp. 8vo (some foxing).<br />
Salzburg: im Verlage der Hochfürstl. Akad. Waisenhausbuchhandlung,<br />
1786. $2950.00<br />
First editions and an attractive sammelband of three rare electrical works.<br />
I & II. Felbiger (1724-88), a German educational reformer, pedagogical writer,<br />
and canon regular of the Order of St. Augustine, became abbot of the monastery<br />
of Sagan in 1758. Noting the sad condition of the local <strong>Cat</strong>holic schools, he strove<br />
to remedy the evil by publishing his first school-ordinance in 1761, which soon<br />
attracted the attention of <strong>Cat</strong>holics and Protestants alike.<br />
In addition to his education reforms, Felbiger was an early and ardent<br />
advocate of constructing lightning rods on public and church buildings to<br />
prevent fires. There are numerous references to Franklin. The attractive plates<br />
depict the proper placement of lightning rods in the church buildings of Sagan<br />
and Pressburg.<br />
III. Weber (1753-1837), is one of the most interesting and appealing of the<br />
second rank scientists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A <strong>Cat</strong>holic priest<br />
who studied with the Jesuits at Augsburg, he was appointed professor of physics<br />
and philosophy at the University of Dillingen and later became professor of
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 37<br />
physics and chemistry at the University of Ingolstadt. Weber was the inventor<br />
of an important linen electrophorous and wrote a series of books which<br />
described his own investigations in physics, chemistry, and electricity.<br />
The present work describes his most recent electrical researches.<br />
Fine copies.<br />
É Ronalds <strong>Cat</strong>. pp. 170 (I), 171 (II, but erroneously giving the date as 1787), &<br />
p. 536 (III).<br />
46. FLEURET, —. L’Art de composer des Pierres factices aussi dures que le<br />
Caillou, et Recherches sur la manière de bâtir des Anciens, sur la préparation,<br />
l’emploi et les causes du durcissement de leurs mortiers. 32 folding or doublepage<br />
engraved plates. 2 p.l., 298 pp. Large 4to, cont. marbled sheep (head<br />
of spine with one small defect), flat spine gilt, contrasting leather<br />
lettering piece on spine. Pont-a-Mousson: chez l’Auteur, 1807.<br />
$2500.00<br />
First edition. Fleuret (ca. 1755-1817), “professor of architecture at the École<br />
Royale Militaire in Paris, took up with enthusiasm de La Faye’s researches into<br />
ancient construction techniques and particularly the making of artificial stone<br />
or concrete. He went so far as to set up his own manufactory at Pont-a-Mousson,<br />
where he poured in and rammed the ingredients into moulds, considering La<br />
Faye’s method of slaking lime by immersion as a crucial factor for the mortar. In<br />
his book he discusses his studies of historic buildings before going on to<br />
demonstrate some of his concrete products, which include pipes, pumps,<br />
ornamental basins, terraces, tiles and stuccoed panels, and mosaic pavements<br />
made with coloured mortars to imitate marble. He also shows the machinery<br />
used to make up the material. He seems to have had some success but also some<br />
major failures since he failed to realise the difference between ordinary and<br />
hydraulic limes. However, as a whole the work forms an interesting episode in<br />
the history of building construction.”–Elton Engineering Books, <strong>Cat</strong>. 6, 211.<br />
Very fine and handsome copy.<br />
A Very Pretty Set<br />
47. FOURCROY, Antoine François de, Comte. Elementary Lectures on<br />
Chemistry and Natural History…Translated…by Thomas Elliot. With Many<br />
Additions, Notes, and Illustrations, by the Translator. xxviii, 520 pp.; viii,<br />
[9]-496 pp. Two vols. 8vo, cont. polished calf, flat spines gilt, red & green<br />
morocco lettering pieces on spines. Edinburgh: C. Elliot, 1785.<br />
$1650.00<br />
First edition in English (1st ed.: 1782) of the author’s first important<br />
publication. It derives from a course of seventy lectures which Fourcroy gave
Item 47. Fourcroy, 1785 (reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 39<br />
each winter in his laboratory and it discusses all aspects of chemistry, including<br />
the recent work on gases. In all his lectures, Fourcroy emphasized the relations<br />
between chemistry and natural history and their applications to medicine.<br />
Very fine set. Early armorial bookplate of “Story” in each volume.<br />
É Cole 463. D.S.B., V, pp. 89-93. Partington, III, pp. 535-51. Smeaton 9.<br />
48. FRISI, Paolo. Operum. Engraved medallion portrait on title of Vol.<br />
I & 14 folding engraved plates. 2 p.l., 466, [2] pp.; 2 p.l., 533, [3] pp.; 3 p.l.,<br />
561, [3] pp. 3 vols. Large 4to, slightly later vellum-backed marbled boards<br />
(some dustiness & occasional light foxing), arms of The Society of Writers<br />
to the Signet on covers, later red morocco lettering pieces on spines.<br />
Milan: J. Galeati, 1782-83-85. $3000.00<br />
First collected edition of Frisi’s important scientific writings on mathematics,<br />
physics, hydraulics, and astronomy. “In physics his research must be evaluated<br />
in relation to the concepts dominant in his time, which led him to justify and<br />
interpret certain phenomena of light and aspects of electricity, referring to the<br />
vibratory motion of ether and other properties attributed to it. As an astronomer<br />
he concerned himself with the daily movement of the earth (in De motu diurno<br />
terrae, awarded a prize by the Berlin Academy), the obliquity of the ecliptic, the<br />
movement of the moon, the determination of the meridian circle, and matters<br />
concerning gravity in relation to Newton’s general theories. His mathematical<br />
activity included studies on kinematics (composition of rotatory movements,<br />
etc.) and, notably, on isoperimetry. He also did work in hydraulics and was<br />
called upon to plan works for the regulation of rivers and canals in various parts<br />
of northern Italy. He was responsible for laying out the canal built in 1819<br />
between Milan and Pavia.”–D.S.B., V, p. 195.<br />
Frisi (1728-84), was an ardent admirer of Newton. As editor of Il Caffe, a<br />
newspaper that was influenced by the thought of the French Illuminati, Frisi<br />
exerted a notable influence on the cultural, social, and political life of Milan in<br />
the later part of the 18th century.<br />
Very good set. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.<br />
É Houzeau & Lancaster 3493. Riccardi, I, 490–“Bella ediz.”<br />
A Woman Chemist<br />
49. FULHAME, Mrs. [Elizabeth]. Versuche über die Wiederherstellung der<br />
Metalle durch Wasserstoffgas, Phosphor, Schwefel, Schwefelleber, geschwefeltes<br />
Wasserstoffgas, gephosphortes Wasserstoffgas, Kohle, Licht und Säuren. Aus<br />
dem Englischen übersetzt von A.G. L. Lentin. xvi, 262 pp. 8vo, cont. halfsheep<br />
& paste-paper boards (nicely rebacked with a portion of the spine
40<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
laid-down, some light browning). Göttingen: J.C. Dieterich, 1798.<br />
$2500.00<br />
First edition in German of her An Essay on Combustion (1794). “Mrs. Elizabeth<br />
Fulhame, of whom nothing seems to be known except that she was the wife of<br />
a doctor, was an early convert to Lavoisier’s theory. In 1794 she published a very<br />
interesting Essay on Combustion (now very scarce), which attracted general<br />
attention. She was elected an honorary member of the Philadelphia Chemical<br />
Society.”–Partington, III, p. 708.<br />
In the present work, Mrs. Fulhame presents her experiments and the<br />
discovery that moisture is necessary in certain chemical reactions. From this<br />
discovery she develops a new theory of reduction and oxidation. There is much<br />
on dyeing and bleaching. Priestley read Mrs. Fulhame’s book and visited her in<br />
London, witnessing several of her experiments.<br />
Lentin (1764-1823), was an instructor at the University of Göttingen and<br />
inspector of saltworks at Sülbeck. He wrote several other chemical and<br />
metallurgical works including one on the famous copper mine in the Parys<br />
Mountain on the Welsh island of Angelsea. He constructed a large metallurgical<br />
furnace at Rammelsberg.<br />
Fine copy and very rare.<br />
ÉSee Cole 495 for the first edition.<br />
One of the Great Classics of French Engineering<br />
50. GAUTHEY, Émiland Marie. [General title from half-title]: Oeuvres.<br />
37 folding engraved plates. xxxi, 403, [1] pp.; 4 p.l., 399, [1] pp.; 4 p.l., 420<br />
pp. Three vols. Large 4to, cont. paste-paper boards (minor wear, a bit<br />
foxed), red leather lettering pieces on spines. Paris: Firmin Didot, 1809-<br />
13-16. $4750.00<br />
First edition of the works of Gauthey (1732-1806), France’s leading engineer of<br />
the period. This edition is especially notable for having been edited by Gauthey’s<br />
grandnephew, Claude Louis Marie Navier (1785-1836), who has added his own<br />
extensive notes and commentaries which were the result of his research in<br />
analytical mechanics and its application to the strength of materials. In this<br />
edition, “Navier added notes which drew on the research of Coulomb and on<br />
the experimental tradition of eighteenth-century physics that had given him<br />
data for tables of the strength of stone and of wood. He appealed for further<br />
experiments on the strength of materials so that they could be used well in<br />
construction.”–D.S.B., X, p. 3–(& see pp. 2-3 for Navier’s fundamental<br />
contributions to the properties of bodies which were first expressed in the<br />
present edition of his granduncle’s works).<br />
Gauthey is best-known for his role in the controversy over the dome of<br />
Ste-Geneviève (later the Panthéon Français) at Paris and for his construction of
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 41<br />
the Canal du Centre which completed the first inland route from the English<br />
Channel to the Mediterranean.<br />
“The first two volumes contain the treatise on bridges which was to supersede<br />
Gautier’s Traité, originally published nearly a century before, remaining the<br />
standard work on the subject until well into the 19th century and going into a<br />
third corrected edition as late as 1843. The work opens with an historical survey<br />
which gives a remarkably complete record of bridges built all over Europe before<br />
1800. It is primarily concerned, however, with laying down a rational approach<br />
to bridge design and planning, giving general principles for foundations, curve<br />
of arches, thickness of piers and abutments, centring etc. Gauthey draws on his<br />
own considerable experience and observations, closely following the precepts<br />
of Perronet, whose pupil he was. The treatise also contains the compression tests<br />
on stone carried out with Soufflot…<br />
“Much of the third volume, on canals, is devoted to the Canal du Centre, his<br />
major achievement in the field. Joining the Loire and Saône, it was the first link,<br />
by way of the Loire, between the Seine and the Mediterranean. 70 miles long, it<br />
required 30 locks from Digoin on the Loire to take it 250ft up to the summit level,<br />
and 50 more down the 430ft drop to Chalon-sur-Saône. Gauthey’s discussion of<br />
the economic use of water to supply the very high summit, and the siting and<br />
optimum dimensions of locks to conserve as much as possible, is one of the most<br />
interesting features of the work. The volume also contains other, more general,<br />
Mémoires on locks (required reading for Ponts et Chaussées students), water<br />
supply etc. as well as appraisals of various canals such as the Briare, Orléans,<br />
Bourgogne and Languedoc. As a whole the volumes form one of the great classic<br />
works on French engineering.”– Elton, <strong>Cat</strong>. 5, 19.<br />
Fine set and quite scarce on the market. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.<br />
É Poggendorff, I, 857. Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 133-34.<br />
Surveying<br />
51. GINET, N. Manuel de l’Arpenteur. 21 folding engraved plates. xii,<br />
[13]-354, [2] pp. & a 4-page publisher’s catalogue at end. 8vo, cont. cat’s<br />
paw calf, spine nicely gilt. Paris: C.A. Jombert, 1770.<br />
[with]:<br />
—. Supplément au Manuel de l’Arpenteur. Ten engraved plates (8 are<br />
folding). viii, 143 pp.; 252, [4] pp. Two parts in one vol. 8vo, cont. mottled<br />
calf, spine nicely gilt. Paris: Brunet, 1775. $2950.00<br />
First edition of this rare work on land surveying which was one of the<br />
standard books of its time on the subject. Ginet, “Arpenteur royal en la Maîtrise<br />
des Eaux & Forêts de Paris & Isle-de-France,” describes the various methods of<br />
surveying and preparing maps and has provided a very valuable dictionary of<br />
terms used in surveying (pp. 284-322 in Vol. I), and numerous tables. The second
Item 51. Ginet, 1770-75 (reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 43<br />
part of Vol. II is devoted to the construction and use of a four-legged compass<br />
of proportion.<br />
A fine but slightly unmatched set.<br />
É François de Dainville, “Enseignement des ‘Géographes’ et des ‘Géomètres’,”<br />
in Enseignement et diffusion des sciences en France au dix-huitième siècle (René Taton,<br />
ed.), pp. 490-91.<br />
“A Work of Utmost Consequence in the Development<br />
of the Theory of Evolution”<br />
52. GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von. Versuch die Metamorphose der<br />
Pflanzen zu erklären. 3 p.l., 86 pp. 8vo, cont. speckled boards (spine &<br />
corners a little worn, rectangular hole in blank portion of title repaired<br />
on verso). Gotha: C.W. Ettinger, 1790. $2500.00<br />
First edition. “A work of utmost consequence in the development of the theory<br />
of evolution…A forerunner of Darwin in many respects, [Goethe] believed in<br />
organic evolution. He coined the word ‘morphology.’ In Versuch die<br />
metamorphose der pflanzen zu erklären (1790), Goethe advanced the theory that all<br />
parts of flowers are metamorphosed or modified.”–Sparrow, Milestones of Science,<br />
p. 30 & number 86–(their collation is that of the second edition, issued sometime<br />
after 1810 but dated 1790. See Sotheby’s, Stiftung für Botanik, Part I, no. 293 for<br />
reproduction of the title-pages of the two editions).<br />
Good copy.<br />
É Pritzel 3452. Singer, A History of Biology, pp. 215-17.<br />
53. GOETTLING, Johann Friedrich August. Chemische Versuche über<br />
eine verbesserte Methode den Salmiak zu bereiten, nebst einem Vorschlage diese<br />
Bereitung fabrikmässig zu betreiben, und Beschreibung einiger chemischen<br />
Produkte so mit einer solchen Fabrik zu verbinden sind. xvi, 140, [2] pp., one<br />
leaf of errata. Small 8vo, cont. blue boards (a little worn). Weimar: C.L.<br />
Hoffmann’s Widow & Heirs, 1782. $1950.00<br />
First edition and very rare on the manufacture and uses of ammonium<br />
chloride in the textile and leather industry for dyeing, tanning, textile printing,<br />
and to add luster to cotton. Göttling (1755-1809), through the influence of<br />
Goethe, became the first independent professor of chemistry in Jena, although<br />
he combined the subject with pharmacy and technology. He visited Holland and<br />
England and was an early convert to the new chemistry.<br />
Old stamp on title. Nice copy.<br />
É Hufbauer, The Formation of the German Chemical Community (1720-1795), pp.<br />
207-08. Partington, III, pp. 595-96.
Item 54. Greifswald, 1775-76 (much reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 45<br />
“The First Subject Index of an Institutional Library”<br />
54. UNIVERSITAETSBIBLIOTHEK, GREIFSWALD. Academiae<br />
Grypeswaldensis Bibliotheca. <strong>Cat</strong>alogo Auctorum et Repertorio Reali Universali.<br />
Compiled by Johann Carl Dähnert. Finely engraved double-page<br />
frontispiece depicting a view of the main room of the library. 4 p.l., 8,<br />
1230 pp.; 1 p.l., 1046 pp.; 1 p.l., 2006 [i.e., 1106] pp. Three vols. in two.<br />
Thick 8vo, cont. half-sheep & marbled boards (upper joint of Vol. II a bit<br />
wormed, some rubbing), orange & green vellum lettering pieces on<br />
spines (one label partly flaked, one perished). Greifswald: A.F. Röse,<br />
1775-75-76. $3250.00<br />
First edition of the monumental and bibliographically important catalogue of<br />
the library of the University of Greifswald, which was founded in 1456. The<br />
library grew enormously after the appointment as librarian of Dähnert (1719-85),<br />
in 1747. A number of large and important collections were incorporated into the<br />
library during Dähnert’s long tenure (see Schwenke for a listing). By the time<br />
this catalogue was published, about 53,000 titles were present in the library. This<br />
is the first catalogue of the library.<br />
The catalogue is notable for its arrangement: “Perhaps the first subject index<br />
of an institutional library that can be clearly set apart from a classified catalogue<br />
or a shelf-list is J.C. Daehnert’s catalogue of the library of the University of<br />
Greifswald. Its three thick volumes, more than three thousand pages in all,<br />
contain a very detailed tabulation of books and journals according to subjects…I<br />
cannot cite another subject index to an institutional library before very recent<br />
times.”–Taylor, Book <strong>Cat</strong>alogues, pp. 52-53.<br />
The main reading room, <strong>illustrated</strong> on the double-page frontispiece, is a wellknown<br />
masterpiece of baroque architecture.<br />
Very nice set.<br />
É Buzas, Deutsche Bibliotheksgeschichte der Neuzeit (1500-1800), pp. 42 &<br />
151–“Besondere Erwähnung verdient der alphabetische, mit einem Sachregister<br />
versehene Katalog der UB Greifswald (1775-1776).” Schwenke, Adressbuch der<br />
Deutschen Bibliotheken, 598.<br />
55. HAUSMANN, Johann Friedrich Ludwig. Versuch eines Entwurfs<br />
zu einer Einleitung in die Oryktognosie. xiv, 188 pp. 8vo, cont. marbled halfcalf<br />
& marbled boards, flat spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on<br />
spine. Braunschweig & Helmstedt: C.G. Fleckeisen, 1805. $1950.00<br />
First edition. Hausmann (1782-1859), professor of mineralogy and technology<br />
at the University of Göttingen and later general inspector of the mining,<br />
metallurgical, and salt factories of Westphalia, was one of the first geologists to<br />
accurately describe the geology of Scandinavia (see Zittel, p. 118).<br />
The present book, a descriptive mineralogy, is the author’s second publication.
46<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
“Very scarce. Considered very valuable as an introduction to mineralogy,<br />
Hausmann has carefully compiled and digested everything known about<br />
mineralogical science, occasionally interweaving the text with his own personal<br />
views. After a short introduction to mineralogy, a long section giving definitions<br />
of terminology and another covering systematics is presented. A general index<br />
completes the work.”–Schuh, Mineralogy & Crystallography: A Biobibliography, 1469<br />
to 1920, 2110.<br />
Fine copy.<br />
É Poggendorff, I, 1035-37.<br />
Making British-Style Beer in Germany<br />
56. HEUN, Friedrich Wilhelm. Versuch der Kunst alle Arten Biere nach<br />
englischen Grundsätzen zu brauen…Erster Theil [all published]. xxiv, 318 pp.<br />
8vo, cont. blue boards (a little foxed), flat spine gilt, red leather lettering<br />
piece on spine. Leipzig: J.F. Junius, 1777. $1750.00<br />
First edition of this very rare book — no copy in the U.S., according to OCLC<br />
— on the brewing of beer according to British methods. Heun employed<br />
Combrune’s The Theory and Practice of Brewing (1762) as his guide to the varied<br />
methods of making beer throughout Britain. During the 18th century, the price<br />
of hops was very unstable and new materials were sought to manufacture beer.<br />
Heun suggests that German brewers should consider using many of the<br />
techniques and materials used in Britain, which are described here. Combrune<br />
was the first to use the thermometer in the brewery and Heun discusses its<br />
potential use in Germany.<br />
Heun also translated into German Brownrigg’s book on the manufacture of<br />
salt.<br />
Very good copy. Old library stamp on title and verso (with release stamp).<br />
É Schoellhorn 247.<br />
“A Classic Work on the Chemistry of Dyeing & Bleaching”<br />
57. HOMASSEL, —. Cours théorique et pratique sur l’Art de la Teinture en<br />
Laine, Soie, Fil, Coton, Fabrique d’indienne en grand et petit teint; Suivi de l’Art<br />
du Teinturier Dégraisseur, du blanchiment des toiles, fils, coton, chanvre, lin,<br />
gravures, etc. par l’acide muriatique oxigéné… 2 p.l., 420 pp. 8vo, cont.<br />
sheep-backed mottled boards, flat spine gilt, orange leather lettering<br />
piece on spine. Paris: Courcier, 1807. $1350.00<br />
Second edition, “revue corrigée et augmentée” by Bouillon-Lagrange, of this<br />
“classic work on the chemistry of dyeing and bleaching, written during the<br />
flourishing period of Hellot and Berthollet. Homassel (dates unknown) was<br />
‘Chef des Teintures de la manufacture nationale des Gobelins”(1778-1787)…He<br />
spent thirty years of research experimenting on the techniques of dyeing, the
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 47<br />
results of which are presented in this book. It is a milestone work on the dyes<br />
and dyeing processes used in France in the second half of the eighteenth<br />
century.”–Neville, I, p. 653–(1st ed. of 1799).<br />
Bouillon-Lagrange (1764-1844), was Fourcroy’s assistant from 1788 and later<br />
professor in the École de Pharmacie. He was an early follower of Lavoisier.<br />
A nice copy of a rare edition; OCLC locates no copy in the U.S. There were<br />
later editions — 1818 and 1857 — attesting to the importance of this work.<br />
É Ron, Bibliotheca Tinctoria, 542.<br />
A “Useful” Dictionary<br />
58. KELS, Heinrich Wilhelm. Onomatologia Chymica Practica, oder<br />
vollständig practisches Handbuch der Chemie in alphabetischer Ordnung zum<br />
Nutzen und Gebrauch für Aerzte, Apotheker, Fabrikanten, Künstler und andere<br />
Personen…unter der Aufsicht und mit einer Vorrede von Johann<br />
Friedrich Gmelin… 5 p.l., 722 columns, [29] pp. 8vo, cont. half-calf &<br />
marbled boards (corners a bit worn), flat spine gilt, black leather lettering<br />
piece on spine (flaked). Ulm: Stettin, 1791. $1950.00<br />
First edition of this “useful” dictionary (Cole) prepared by Kels (1759-92),<br />
apothecary at Hannover. He later studied medicine at Göttingen from 1787 to<br />
1791 and went in 1791 to Surinam as second chief-surgeon to the military<br />
hospital of the Dutch West India Company. He died there in 1792.<br />
In the compilation of this extensive dictionary, Kels has used unpublished<br />
material gathered by Johannes Zorn (1739-99), under the supervision of the<br />
Gmelin (1748-1804), professor, variously, of philosophy, medicine, chemistry,<br />
botany, and mineralogy at the University of Tübingen.<br />
Fine copy. Old stamp of “G. Jordan” on title.<br />
É Cole 711. Ferguson, I, p. 457.<br />
Ready for Annotations<br />
59. KESTNER, Christian Wilhelm. Bibliotheca Medica, optimorum per<br />
singulas Medicinae Partes Auctorum delectu circumscripta… Engraved<br />
vignette on title which is printed in red & black. 4 p.l., 728, [40] pp. Two<br />
vols. 8vo, cont. half-sheep & paper boards (upper cover of Vol. I a little<br />
defective), contrasting leather lettering pieces on spines. Jena: C.H.<br />
Cuno, 1746. $1500.00<br />
First edition of this important medical bibliography, listing about 5000 titles<br />
with valuable historical notes. It is arranged by subject and has an excellent<br />
author index at end. The first chapter is devoted to bibliographies, histories,<br />
biographies, and dictionaries of medicine and there are sections on botany,
48<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
pharmacy, and mineralogy.<br />
Kestner (1694-1747), studied medicine but never practiced, devoting himself<br />
instead to research in the history and bibliography of medicine.<br />
Nice copy, interleaved throughout.<br />
É Besterman 3779. Hirsch, III, p. 514. Osler 7143. Petzholdt, pp. 574-75.<br />
The Milky Way<br />
60. LAMBERT, Johann Heinrich. Cosmologische Briefe über die<br />
Einrichtung des Weltbaues. One folding printed table. xxviii, 318 pp. 8vo,<br />
attractive early 19th-cent. blue marbled boards with red paper spine<br />
(lower joint with a few chips), spine gilt. Augsburg: E. Kletts, 1761.<br />
$5000.00<br />
First edition of one of the most important works in stellar astronomy. “Lambert<br />
had the idea (in 1749) [but published here for the first time] that what appears<br />
as the Milky Way might be the visual effect of a lens-shaped universe. On this<br />
basis he elaborated a theory according to which the thousands of stars<br />
surrounding the sun constituted a system. Moreover, he considered the Milky<br />
Way as a large number of such systems, that is, a system of higher order…These<br />
bold speculations, born of the Leibnizian belief in the most perfect of all possible<br />
worlds, far transcended astronomy…the Cosmologische Briefe was a great<br />
sensation and was translated into French, Russian, and English. Only when<br />
William Herschel systematically examined the heavens telescopically and<br />
discovered numerous nebulae and ‘telescopic milky-ways’ did it become obvious<br />
that Lambert’s description was not mere science fiction but to a large extent a<br />
bold vision of the basic features of the universe.”–D.S.B., VII, p. 598.<br />
A fine copy.<br />
61. LAMPADIUS, Wilhelm August. Handbuch zur chemischen Analyse<br />
der Mineralkörper. One folding engraved plate. viii, 362 pp., 1 leaf of<br />
errata. 8vo, cont. marbled sheep (some foxing), spine gilt, contrasting<br />
leather lettering piece on spine. Freiberg: Craz, 1801.<br />
[bound with]:<br />
TROMMSDORFF, Johann Bartholmäus. Chemisches Probircabinet oder<br />
Nachricht von der Bereitung, den Eigenschaften und dem Gebrauche der<br />
Reagentien. 64 pp. 8vo. Erfurt: Henning, 1801. $2500.00<br />
I. First edition of a scarce book. Lampadius (1772-1842), pharmacist and later<br />
professor of chemistry and mineralogy at the famous Mining Academy at<br />
Freiberg, is best known for his discovery of carbon disulfide. He is considered to
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 49<br />
be one of the founders of metallurgy.<br />
This is a significant work in the transition from the Wernerian belief in the<br />
importance of the external characteristics of minerals to the modern emphasis<br />
on chemical composition. In fact, Werner engaged Lampadius as professor of<br />
chemistry at Freiberg and the two worked together analyzing minerals in the<br />
Academy's laboratory.<br />
II. First edition and very rare. Trommsdorff (1770-1837), was professor of<br />
chemistry and physics at Erfurt. “The great aim of his life was to improve the<br />
scientific position of pharmacy, and the value and success of his efforts were<br />
universally recognized…His library, laboratory and apparatus, all provided by<br />
himself, were superior to those of many public institutions.”–Ferguson, II, p. 473.<br />
In the Foreword, the author describes a “probircabinet” which he first offered<br />
for sale in 1799. It was designed to assist chemists, interested amateurs,<br />
mineralogists, and manufacturers to perform chemical analyses. We learn that<br />
Trommsdorff sold these cabinets throughout Germany, and in Sweden,<br />
Denmark, Norway, Hungary, and Russia. Humboldt took them on his travels to<br />
Peru and Mexico.<br />
Fine copies.<br />
É I. Partington, III, pp. 596-97. Schuh, Mineralogy & Crystallography: A<br />
Biobibliography, 1469 to 1920, 2874–“Rare. Gives details of the equipment<br />
necessary for the analysis of minerals, as well as instructions for their use. It also<br />
describes various analytical methods, giving a list of reagents. The analysis of<br />
individual minerals is then described. Lampadius’ methods are generally as<br />
good as Klaproth’s, and there are portions of the book that foreshadow<br />
textbooks of a later period. For example, it contains a detailed list of equipment<br />
and apparatus required for analysis, as well as instructions for their use. In the<br />
introduction a long passage describes the preparation of the necessary reagents,<br />
and methods for testing their purity. Szabadváry (1966) says these ‘descriptions<br />
are the earliest record of standard<br />
methods used for testing the purity of analytical grade reagents and in many<br />
cases are very similar to present day methods’.” II. D.S.B., XIII, pp. 465-66.<br />
Poggendorff, II, 1136-37.<br />
The Last True Believer<br />
62. LANG, Carl Nicolaus. Historia Lapidum figuratorum Helvetiæ,<br />
eiusque Viciniae, in quâ non solùm enarrantur omnia eorum Genera, Species et<br />
Vires æneisque tabulis repræsentantur. Sed insuper adducuntur eorum Loca<br />
Nativa, in quibus reperiri solent, ut cuilibet facile sit eos colligere, modo adducta<br />
loca adire libeat. Added engraved title & 54 engraved plates. Printed title<br />
in red & black. 15 p.l. (incl. added engraved title), 165 pp. Small 4to,<br />
attractive early 19th-cent. half-sheep & marbled boards, flat spine gilt.
Item 62. Lang, 1708 (reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 51<br />
Venice: J. Tomasini for the Author, 1708. $7500.00<br />
First edition of this handsomely <strong>illustrated</strong> work on Swiss fossils. Lang (1670-<br />
1741), studied medicine in Bologna and Rome and held many official medical<br />
positions in the forest cantons of Switzerland. He “was a collector of fossils who<br />
gave original descriptions of many of the fossils of Switzerland. He was<br />
categorically opposed to the idea of their organic origin and particularly argued<br />
against the conception of the diluvialists that fossils were animals destroyed in<br />
the Flood…<br />
“According to Lang the fossils originated from tiny, seminal seeds of living<br />
marine animals that were scattered around the earth by the air. Once distributed<br />
in this manner the seeds were carried into and through the earth by water. The<br />
heat of the earth activated a plastic force inherent in each seed, and the aura<br />
seminalis, or seminal breeze, gave the seed shape. Because this force was<br />
particularly strong in the icy waters and snow of the mountain tops, the fossils<br />
were more common in these areas.”–D.S.B., VIII, p. 4.<br />
“Lang is one of the last authors who believed in the direct origin of the fossils<br />
in the rocks.”–Zittel, p. 18.<br />
A fine and handsome copy. The handsome engraved title depicts a room with<br />
many labeled drawers containing fossils. Old stamp — “Bibliotheca Bernensis”<br />
— on blank portion of title.<br />
É Geikie, The Founders of Geology, p. 98. Hoover 505.<br />
63. LANGSDORF, Johann Wilhelm. Ausführlichere Abhandlung von<br />
Anlegung, Verbesserung und zweckmäsiger Verwaltung derer Salzwerke, nebst<br />
einem Anhang von denen Rechten und Befugnissen eines Landesherrn auf<br />
Salzquellen und auf den Alleinhandel des Salzes. Folding engraved silhouette<br />
frontis. port. of the author & ten folding engraved plates. 9 p.l., 780 pp.<br />
Small thickish quarto, cont. boards (minor foxing), contrasting leather<br />
lettering piece on spine. Giessen: J.C. Krieger the younger, 1781.<br />
$2500.00<br />
First edition of this extensive work on salt-mining and refining; according to<br />
N.D.B., XIII, p. 611, this is “the first extensive and systematic publication on this<br />
subject” (in trans.). There is a substantial section at the end on the laws<br />
governing salt mines and the economics of the industry.<br />
Langsdorf (1745-1827), was director of several salt mines and a prominent<br />
government official.<br />
Fine and attractive copy.<br />
É Ferchl, p. 295. Poggendorff, I, 1371-72.<br />
See illustration of this item on following page
Item 63. Langsdorf, 1781 (much reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 53<br />
64. LE CLERC, Sebastien. Discours touchant le Point de Vue, Dans lequel<br />
il est prouvé que les choses qu’on voit distinctement, ne sont vues que d’un oeil.<br />
One engraved plate, an engraved head-piece, 24 full-page engravings,<br />
& 9 full-page woodcut diagrams. 6 p.l., 86 pp. 8vo, cont. calf, single gilt<br />
fillet round sides, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris:<br />
A. Cailleau, 1719. $2950.00<br />
Second edition (1st ed.: 1679). “An unusual work on the physiology of vision,<br />
with special regard to its implications for artistic perspective. A well-known<br />
engraver and geometrician, Le Clerc was professor of perspective at the<br />
Académie Royale de Peinture for thirty years…His explanations in this treatise<br />
are <strong>illustrated</strong> with twenty-four engravings of his own devising.”–Becker 235.<br />
Le Clerc (1637-1714), following the lead of Jacques Callot and Stefano della<br />
Bella, helped to create the vignette style so popular in the French book of the<br />
following century.<br />
Fine copy from the Macclesfield library with embossed stamp on title.<br />
Large & Thick Paper Set<br />
65. LE SEUR, Thomas & JACQUIER, François. Elemens du Calcul<br />
Integral. Engraved arms of Duke Ferdinand on titles & eleven folding<br />
engraved plates. xii, 548, [1] pp.; vii (first leaf a blank), 591 pp. Two vols.<br />
4to, cont. mottled sheep (joints and head & tail of spines with several<br />
careful repairs), gilt fleurons in each corner of covers, triple gilt fillet<br />
round sides, spines gilt, red & green morocco lettering pieces on spines.<br />
Parma: [pasted-over label]: “Chez les Freres Faure Libraires de Son<br />
Altesse Royale,” 1768. $6500.00<br />
First edition and a fine large and thick paper set of this work which is now<br />
scarce on the market. This is one of the major works in the history of calculus,<br />
written by the editors of the Jesuits’ edition of Newton’s Principia. The authors<br />
were the principal expositors of Newtonian mathematics and physics in Italy.<br />
They resided in Parma from 1763 to 1773 as tutors to the young Duke Ferdinand<br />
were intimate friends of many of the leading scientists of the time including<br />
Clairaut, Boscovich, and Mme. du Châtelet.<br />
“Utterly Fascinating”–Sinkankas<br />
66. LESSER, Friedrich Christian. Lithotheologie, Das ist: Natürliche<br />
Historie und geistliche Betrachtung derer Steine, Also abgefasst, dass daraus die<br />
Allmacht, Weissheit, Güte und Gerechtigkeit des grossen Schöpffers gezeuget<br />
wird, anbey viel Sprüche der Heiligen Schrifft erklähret, und die menschen<br />
allesamt zur Bewunderung, Lobe und Dienste des grossen Gottes ermuntert
Item 66. Lesser, 1735
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 55<br />
werden…mit einer Vorrede begleitet von Johann. Alberto Fabricio. Ten<br />
engraved plates & three folding printed tables. xlviii, 1300, [56] pp. Thick<br />
8vo, cont. sheep (a little rubbed), spine gilt. Hamburg: C.W. Brandt, 1735.<br />
$3950.00<br />
First edition and “scarce. A complex and detailed work examining in every<br />
facet of the mineral kingdom the evidence of God’s fingerprint. Referencing and<br />
quoting hundreds of ancient and contemporary writers Lesser assembled a<br />
tremendous bank of information to support his viewpoint that God alone was<br />
responsible for geology, mineralogy, crystallography, etc. The author was so<br />
successful in selecting his evidence that the Lithotheologie is commonly viewed<br />
as one of the foundation works in reconciling theology with mineralogy and<br />
geology…<br />
“The text is divided into nine books: (1) covers the fundamental relationship<br />
between the earth, air, water and life, (2) describes the origins of rocks, fossils<br />
and minerals, (3) describes the occurrences of mineralized bodies inside the<br />
earth, (4) covers the properties of stones and minerals, (5) highlights precious<br />
and semiprecious gemstones, (6) stones used in building, manufacture and art,<br />
(7) provides descriptions of the misuse of gemstones, e.g. mythical powers, (8)<br />
covers artificial stones of all types, and (9) wondrous stones, such as Lot’s wife<br />
turned to a pillar of salt. At the end are two indexes. The first provides references<br />
to sections in the Bible, while the other lists subjects covered.”–Schuh, Mineralogy<br />
& Crystallography: A Biobibliography, 1469 to 1920 (in progress), 3016.<br />
Fine copy. Stamp of “Ex Bibliotheca Heldiana” on title.<br />
É Ferguson, II, p. 28–(Young coll. having only the 1751 ed.). Sinkankas<br />
3904–“utterly fascinating work in great detail & complexity”–(& see the rest of<br />
his long description).<br />
Beautifully Illustrated<br />
67. LEUPOLD, Jacob. Theatrum Pontificiale, oder Schau-Platz der Brücken<br />
und Brücken-Baues, Das ist, Eine deutliche Anweisung, Wie man nicht nur auf<br />
mancherley Arth über Gräben, Bäche und Flüsse gelangen, auch so gar in<br />
Wassers-Noth mit gewissen Machinen und besondern Habit sein Leben retten<br />
kan. Sixty finely engraved plates. 8 p.l., 153 pp., [5] pp. Folio, cont. boards<br />
(a bit soiled & rubbed). Leipzig: C. Zunkel, 1726. $3000.00<br />
First edition of one of the most important volumes in Leupold’s series<br />
Theatrum Machinarum, or “Theater of Machines”; this was the most complete and<br />
richly <strong>illustrated</strong> work on engineering and machinery published, not just up<br />
until that time, but for many years to follow.<br />
“Leupold’s treatise is the most comprehensive of all the early bridge books and<br />
the first to be published in Germany. It was inspired by Gautier’s influential<br />
work and covers masonry, pontoon, floating and military bridges but is
Item 68. Loescher, 1788 (reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 57<br />
particularly notable for the material on long-span timber-truss bridges. Leupold<br />
writes with authority on this type of structure, of which there was a long<br />
tradition in Germany, taking as examples some recently-built bridges and<br />
making an attempt to illustrate the behaviour of beams and trusses and to<br />
describe the properties of timber; in this he follows Galileo and anticipates<br />
Buffon.”–Elton, <strong>Cat</strong>. 2, 58.<br />
Leupold (1674-1727), a Leipzig mechanical engineer, established a workshop<br />
to manufacture mathematical and mechanical instruments. His numerous books<br />
describe the latest technological developments of the day.<br />
Fine fresh copy.<br />
Draining Mines<br />
68. LOESCHER, Carl Immanuel. Angabe einer Schwammaschine,<br />
wodurch in einem geringen Zeitraum aus einer beträchtlichen Tiefe eine<br />
ansehnliche Menge Wasser empor gebracht werden kann. Four folding<br />
engraved plates. 70 pp. 8vo, early 19th-cent. half-calf & marbled boards,<br />
flat spine gilt, orange leather lettering piece on spine. Leipzig: S.L.<br />
Crusius, 1788. $1650.00<br />
First edition of a water draining machine which employed sponges attached<br />
to ropes at regular intervals. These sponges would, in a rotary or circular fashion,<br />
descend to absorb water in mines and other flooded areas. The machine then<br />
would bring these sponges to the surface where they would be automatically<br />
squeezed dry, before returning to the wet area below. The fine plates depict in<br />
great detail the various aspects of this machine.<br />
Löscher (1750-1814), was a mining administrator to Graf Thun in Klösterle in<br />
Bohemia and later lived in Freiberg. He wrote a number of books on mining<br />
technology.<br />
Fine copy. Two old stamps on title with release stamp on verso.<br />
É Poggendorff, I, 1486-87.<br />
A Fine & Bright Set Complete in Four Volumes<br />
69. GREAT EXHIBITION, LONDON. Great Exhibition of the Works of<br />
Industry of all Nations, 1851. Official Descriptive and Illustrated <strong>Cat</strong>alogue.<br />
Edited by Robert Ellis. Very numerous plates & illus. Four vols. Large<br />
thick 8vo, cont. blue cloth, sides & spines decorated in gilt, a.e.g. London:<br />
Spicer Brothers, 1851. $3500.00<br />
First edition and a very fine and fresh set of this magnificent catalogue; it has<br />
the very uncommon fourth volume.<br />
Occasional minor foxing but a fine set.<br />
For illustration of the bindings, see following page
Item 69. London Great Exhibition, 1851 (much reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 59<br />
70. MACQUART, Louis Charles Henri. Beschreibung einer auf Befehl der<br />
Regierung nach den Norden gemachten Reise enthaltend Abhandlungen über<br />
mehrere Gegenstände der Mineralogie: Beschreibung der in die königl<br />
Sammlung abgegebenen merkwürdigsten Stücke: eine Ortbeschreibung von<br />
Moskau mit vielen interessanten statistischen Bemerkungen…aus dem<br />
Französischen übersetzt. Mit Anmerkungen begleitet von Fibig und Nau.<br />
Seven folding engraved plates. 2 p.l., 628 pp., [4] leaves. 8vo, cont. yellow<br />
boards. Frankfurt: Hermann, 1790. $2500.00<br />
First edition in German, with the valuable additions and commentaries by<br />
Johann Fibig (d. 1792) and Bernhard Sebastian Nau (1766-1845), both professors<br />
of natural history at the University of Mainz. This edition is rare with OCLC<br />
locating no copy in the U.S.<br />
“The eight memoirs comprising the text are based on the author’s travel<br />
experiences in the Urals, Siberia, the vicinity of Moscow, and Poland. Among<br />
them are several of great interest to the gemologist, e.g., the first memoir, on<br />
chalcedony pseudo-morphs after gypsum which are found in the vicinity of<br />
Cracow, Poland, with several specimens being depicted upon the first plate. A<br />
visit to the celebrated Wieliczka salt mines is narrated as well as visits to salt<br />
mines in Siberia. Memoirs three to five are mineralogically important because<br />
they describe minerals found in a number of Siberian mines, including the<br />
Beresov deposit which formerly provided splendid specimens of crocoite which<br />
Macquart calls ‘plomb rouge,’ and which he analyzed without recognizing the<br />
presence of chromium. A few remarks are made on the famous copper mine at<br />
Gumeshevsk which is best known for having yielded enormous masses of<br />
malachite suitable for overlay lapidary work. The eighth memoir is<br />
gemologically most important inasmuch as it deals with the aqua marines and<br />
topazes from Adun Chilon in Transbaikalia, and provides a catalog of specimens<br />
of aquamarine and other minerals collected. Included here are remarks on the<br />
amethyst of Siberia, several specimens of which are scepter overgrowths<br />
(<strong>illustrated</strong> on a plate), and specimens from Siberia, Saxony, and Hungary<br />
included in the catalog. Other notes treat quartzes from Siberia, agates, jaspers,<br />
and ornamental stones, with a final part on geography of Moscow and vicinity<br />
and descriptions and catalogs of fossils found here and elsewhere in<br />
Russia.”–Sinkankas 4117–(describing the first edition, in French, of 1789).<br />
Macquart (1745-1818), was professor of natural history at the Central School<br />
of the Dép. of the Seine-et-Marne and conservator of the cabinets of<br />
Fontainebleau. He wrote other works on geological, mineralogical, and medical<br />
subjects.<br />
Fine copy. Engraved bookplate of G. C. von Fechenbach.<br />
É Hoover 550–(1st ed.).
Item 71. Magalotti, 1721 (reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 61<br />
71. MAGALOTTI, Lorenzo. Lettere Scientifiche, ed Erudite. Engraved<br />
port. of the author & an engraved vignette on title. Title printed in red<br />
& black. xxiv, 303 pp. Large 4to, cont. vellum over boards (minor<br />
worming at front & back). Florence: Tartini & Franchi, 1721. $2250.00<br />
First edition of this posthumously issued collection of letters by this famous<br />
scientist who has the distinction “of having written the best scientific prose in<br />
Italian after that of Galileo; his descriptions of experiments in physics are written<br />
in colorful, almost dramatic, language.”–D.S.B., IX, p. 3. Essays include those on<br />
light (addressed to Viviani), Galileo, the effects of snow, the comet of 1664,<br />
horticulture and the culture of vines, the sense of smell, circulation of blood, and<br />
languages.<br />
Magalotti (1637-1712), was one of the first ten members of the Accademia del<br />
Cimento and was its secretary. He studied with Viviani and attended lectures<br />
given by Malpighi and Borelli.<br />
Apart from the unimportant worming, a fine copy. Bookplate of S. Villani.<br />
An Important Belgian Collection<br />
72. MAT, Pierre Joseph de, <strong>Bookseller</strong>. <strong>Cat</strong>alogue de la Bibliothéque d’un<br />
Amateur, avec des Notes et une Table Générale des Auteurs et des Matières.<br />
[Compiled by Louis François Antoine Gaudefroy]. 2 p.l., iv, lxxxviii, 20,<br />
318 pp.; 2 p.l., 319-808 pp., 12 pp. of publisher’s ads. Two vols. 8vo, cont.<br />
marbled half-sheep & marbled boards (head of spine of Vol. I a little<br />
chipped & joints a bit cracked but strong), flat spines gilt, red morocco<br />
lettering pieces on spines. Brussels: P.J. de Mat, 1823. $1750.00<br />
The bookseller Mat’s catalogue of a fine anonymous private collection,<br />
compiled and edited by Gaudefroy (1758-1839), the French bibliographer. There<br />
are 6918 items described including a goodly number of important 15th and 16th<br />
century books. The sections on science, medicine, and natural history are<br />
outstanding.<br />
Very good set with the armorial bookplate of Th. de Jonghe. This copy has<br />
pages 37bis-40bis.<br />
É Blogie col. 572.<br />
A Very Fine Copy<br />
73. MAUPERTUIS, Pierre Louis Moreau de. Astronomie Nautique: ou<br />
Élémens d'Astronomie, Tant pour un Observatoire fixe, que pour un<br />
Observatoire mobile. Woodcut diagrams in the text. xl, [8], 98 pp. 8vo, cont.<br />
polished calf, double gilt fillet round sides, spine richly gilt, red morocco<br />
lettering piece on spine. Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1743. $4950.00<br />
First edition of the second of the two major books by Maupertuis on
62<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
navigation (preceded by his 1741 Discours sur la Parallaxe de la Lune). Maupertuis<br />
devoted much time to improving navigational techniques, linking these<br />
researches to his earlier geodetical work.<br />
Maupertuis (1698-1759), was the foremost proponent of the Newtonian<br />
movement in France.<br />
Very fine copy from the Macclesfield library with bookplate.<br />
É Terrall, The Man Who Flattened the Earth. Maupertuis and the Sciences in the<br />
Enlightenment, pp. 189 & 227.<br />
See frontispiece for illustration of the binding<br />
74. MEIDINGER, Karl von. Vollständige Abhandlung über die<br />
Lohgärberey oder…Anweisung Sohl- und anderes lohgares Leder…zu<br />
verfertigen. Mit ausführlicher Beschreibung einer neuen für Handel und<br />
Gewerbe wichtigen Erfindung. 15 folding engraved plates. xxviii, 173 pp.,<br />
[1] pp. Large 4to, orig. blue wrappers (spine a little frayed), uncut.<br />
Leipzig: C.A. Hempel, 1802. $2250.00<br />
First edition of this very rare work on the preparation and dyeing of various<br />
kinds of leather, including morocco, parchment, and Russia. The author<br />
describes the necessary preparations preliminary to tanning, techniques of<br />
tanning, and the processes which follow. Pages xvii-xxi contain an interesting<br />
bibliography of English, French, and German books on tanning and dyeing of<br />
leathers. There are also sections on the trade of leather.<br />
Meidinger (1750-1820), was provincial secretary in charge of lower Austria and<br />
wrote a number of books on geology, mineralogy, mining, and technological<br />
matters.<br />
The attractive plates depict the various steps in manufacturing leathers.<br />
Fine copy. Small library stamp on verso of each plate.<br />
É Poggendorff, II, 102–(not knowing of this work).<br />
“Meyer is Best Known for Having<br />
Been Wrong”–D.S.B.<br />
75. MEYER, Johann Friedrich. Chymische Versuche, zur näheren<br />
Erkenntniss des ungelöschten Kalchs, der elastichen und electrischen Materie,<br />
des allerreinsten Feurwesens, und der ursprünglichen allgemeinen Säure. Nebst<br />
einem Anhange von den Elementen…mit dessen alchimistichen Briefen<br />
vermehrte Ausgabe. 22, [2], 418, [28], 48 pp. 8vo, cont. half-sheep &<br />
speckled boards, spine gilt, red leather lettering piece on spine.<br />
Hannover: J.W. Schmidt, 1770. $2750.00<br />
Second edition (1st ed.: 1764) of a work which became the starting point for a<br />
heated controversy among the chemists of the period. In this book, Meyer (1705-<br />
65), “develops his theory of ‘acidum pingue’ which he regarded as the universal
Item 74. Meidinger, 1802 (reduced)
64<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
primitive acid, the cause of causticity, the matter of light, the cause of the<br />
increase in weight of metals when calcined, etc. Opposed to Joseph Black’s<br />
explanation of causticity, the theory aroused considerable controversy. Lavoisier<br />
in his Opuscules Physiques et Chimiques, 1774, devoted Chapter XI in Part I to<br />
Meyer’s theory, praising the book as displaying Meyer’s genius but criticizing<br />
Meyer for applying acidum pingue ‘indiscriminately to everything’.”–Cole 936.<br />
Our edition, posthumously published, contains corrections made by the<br />
author in his own copy of the first edition.<br />
Added at the end is Meyer’s only other publication, his Letters on Alchemy (1st<br />
ed.: 1767). They contain Meyer’s experiments with a view to transmutation, in<br />
which he “incidentally made some positive observations.”–Ferguson, II, p. 93.<br />
Fine copy of a rare book. With the characteristic red stamp on verso of title of<br />
August Ferdinand, Graf von Veltheim (1741-1801), an important mining official<br />
in the Harz Mountains and the author of a number of mineralogical and mining<br />
works. He formed an important scientific library and they all seemingly have<br />
survived in fine condition.<br />
É D.S.B., IX, pp. 346-47. Neville, II, p. 168. Partington, III, pp. 145-46.<br />
76. MOLYNEUX, William. The Case of Ireland’s being bound by Acts of<br />
Parliament in England, stated…to which is added, the Case of Tenures upon the<br />
Commission of Defective Titles, argued by all the Judges of Ireland. With their<br />
Resolutions, and the Reasons of their Resolutions. xv, 236 pp. 8vo, cont. sheep<br />
(rebacked, title backed). London: W. Boreham, 1720. $950.00<br />
Later edition of this celebrated work. “The greater part of this tract was a<br />
survey of history, inaccurate or fictitious in places, and a study of precedent<br />
supported by considerable legal learning…That Ireland should be bound by<br />
English acts of parliament Molyneux held to be against reason and the common<br />
rights of mankind. Consent alone could give laws force, otherwise they offended<br />
against rights of liberty and property. The circumstance complained of offended<br />
against English common law under which representative government was the<br />
right of every subject.”–ODNB.<br />
Good copy.<br />
With an Hitherto Important Unpublished Letter by Galileo<br />
77. [MORELLI, Jacopo]. Monumenti Veneziani di varia Letteratura per la<br />
prima volta pubblicati… Engraved frontis., engraved coat-of-arms of the<br />
Pisani family on title, & three engraved headpieces. 4 p.l. (incl. frontis.),<br />
12, LI pp. Large 4to, orig. pink printed boards with the coat-of-arms of<br />
the Pisani family (head & foot of spine a bit worn). Venice: C. Palese,
Item 77. Morelli, 1796 (much reduced)
66<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
1796. $2500.00<br />
First edition of this collection of hitherto unpublished letters including an<br />
extremely important one from Galileo addressed to the Doge of Venice in which<br />
he describes his invention of the telescope and lists its many applications. He<br />
stated it was particularly useful for the military, both on land and at sea.<br />
Following Galileo’s letter is printed a decree from the Venetian Senate, dated 25<br />
August 1609, in which they thank Galileo and award him 1000 florins annually.<br />
Fine copy in original state and preserved in a box.<br />
É Carli & Favaro 629. Cinti 183. Drake, Galileo at Work, pp. 139-42.<br />
“The First Theoretical and Practical Book on<br />
Suspension Bridge Construction”–Peters<br />
78. NAVIER, Claude Louis Marie Henri. Rapport à Monsieur Becquey,<br />
Conseiller d’État, Directeur général des Ponts et Chaussées et des Mines; et<br />
Mémoire sur les Ponts Suspendus. Woodcut royal arms on title & 13 fine<br />
folding engraved plates. xxiv, 228 pp. Large 4to, later blue half-calf &<br />
marbled boards, spine gilt. Paris: de l’Imprimerie Royale, 1823.<br />
$3500.00<br />
First edition. “Navier’s ‘Rapport et Mémoire’ made it possible from this very<br />
early period of suspension bridge development to determine both the forces and<br />
the most economic dimensions of principal members. The work was the first<br />
theoretical and practical treatise on such bridges, and its influence was immense<br />
and far-reaching. It went into use immediately and was soon translated into<br />
German and Italian; copies existed in America, one of which was owned by<br />
Roebling. Within this remarkable and unprecedented book, Navier sets out to<br />
analyse the structural behaviour, tackling the problems inherent in such bridges<br />
in a clear and scientific manner. Of particular interest at such a date are his<br />
investigations into the effect of wind and vibration, both responsible for many<br />
failures and neither fully understood until after 1940 and the Tacoma bridge<br />
collapse. He applies his theories to his design for the proposed Invalides bridge<br />
in Paris with a span of 170m and to a hypothetical suspension aqueduct of 97.5m<br />
span…<br />
“The work stemmed from the visits he made to Britain to examine the bridges<br />
there on behalf of the Ponts et Chaussées, assessing the possibilities of this new<br />
structural form. In his report to Becquey he recommends its adoption, giving in<br />
the Mémoire that follows, precise plans and details of such notable examples as<br />
Brown’s Berwick bridge and those of Marc Brunel on the Isle de Bourbon as well<br />
as describing Telford’s Runcorn and Menai schemes. He also summarizes the<br />
experiments on wrought-iron chains carried out by Telford, Barlow, Brown and<br />
Brunel. The book as a whole is thus a brilliant synthesis of theory and<br />
practice.”–Elton, <strong>Cat</strong>. 4, item 32.<br />
“For fifty years, this report was one of the most important books covering the
Item 79. Newton, 1718 (reduced)
68<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
design of suspension bridges.”–Timoshenko, History of Strength of Materials, p. 73.<br />
Fine copy. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.<br />
É Peters, Guillaume Henri Dufour and the Early 19th Century Cable Suspension<br />
Bridges, p. 42–“the first theoretical and practical book on suspension bridge<br />
construction, giving precise plans and details, as well as the first widely used<br />
theoretical work on analytical statics.” Poggendorff, II, 260-61. Roberts & Trent,<br />
Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 234-35.<br />
With an Important Addition<br />
79. NEWTON, Isaac. Opticks: or, a Treatise of the Reflections, Refractions,<br />
Inflections and Colours of Light. The Second Edition, with Additions. Twelve<br />
folding engraved plates. 4 p.l., 382 pp., one leaf of ads. 8vo, cont. English<br />
panelled calf (well-rebacked with the orig. red morocco label laid-down,<br />
two corners a bit worn, a little dusty). London: W. & J. Innys, 1718.<br />
$8500.00<br />
Second edition, revised and enlarged by Newton. This is the second issue with<br />
the title-page dated 1718 (1st issue: 1717). For this second edition, the first in<br />
octavo, the plates were newly engraved to suit the new format. While Newton<br />
left the body of the treatise largely untouched, “the number of Queries at the<br />
end was increased from 16 to 31, including the celebrated Query No. 28 on the<br />
nature of light.”–Babson, I, p. 67.<br />
Very good copy with a few plates just shaved. Contemporary signature on free<br />
front<br />
endpaper: “Ex libris Hci Jefferson. ex ColI: Div: Joh: Cant: Dec: 27mo die, 1719.<br />
Pre: 6.”<br />
É Babson 134.<br />
80. PAUPIE, Franz Andreas. Versuch einer Grundlehre der Bierbrauerey<br />
in katechetischer Form für Lehrlinge, Gesellen und Brauer, als auch für jeden<br />
Oekonomen der sich von dieser Kunst gründliche Kenntnisse zu sammeln<br />
wünschet. Nebst einer theoretisch-praktischen Einleitung warum ds alte gut<br />
seyn sollende böhmische Bier in Verfall gerathen ist. Physisch – chemisch –<br />
ökonomisch – praktisch verfasst von… 6 p.l., xx, 296, [4], [3] pp. of errata.<br />
8vo, cont. blue boards, red leather label on spine. Prague: “auf Kosten<br />
des Verfassers,” 1797. $1750.00<br />
First edition and rare; OCLC locates only one copy, in Germany. Paupie,<br />
described here on the title-page as “Braumeister zu Schlan” later was a brewer<br />
in Brno. His Die Kunst des Bierbrauens, physisch, chemisch, ökonomisch beschrieben<br />
(1794 with a third volume issued in 1821), was one of the most extensive and
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 69<br />
best books on the brewing of beer issued in 18th-century Bohemia. In the<br />
present work, Paupie describes, in a question and answer format, the proper<br />
construction of a brewery, necessary apparatus, materials such as hops and<br />
water, every step in the brewing process, problems during fermentation and<br />
storage, etc.<br />
Very good copy. Old library stamp on title and verso (with release stamp).<br />
É Schoellhorn 273.<br />
“One of Poisson’s Chief Treatises”<br />
Presentation Copy to Flourens<br />
81. POISSON, Siméon Denis. Théorie Mathématique de la Chaleur. One<br />
folding engraved plate. 2 p.l., 532, [2] pp. Large 4to, cont. sheep-backed<br />
marbled boards, vellum tips, flat spine gilt, green morocco lettering piece<br />
on spine. Paris: Bachelier, 1835. $4500.00<br />
First edition of Poisson’s important formulation of equations describing the<br />
distribution of heat within bodies. “Poisson scored a point in this work by<br />
demonstrating how the conductibility of heat in the interior of bodies, far from<br />
being contained in the notion of flux as Fourier had held, must be derived from<br />
an absorption coefficient that restores a neglected functional dimension.”–D.S.B.,<br />
XV, p. 488.<br />
A very fine and handsome copy with a presentation inscription (partly<br />
cropped by the binder’s knife) by Poisson to the great physician Marie Jean<br />
Pierre Flourens (1794-1867).<br />
É Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 260-61–“This is the first edition of<br />
an important work in which Poisson formulated equations for the distribution<br />
of heat in bodies. As opposed to Fourier, who maintained in his Mémoire<br />
analytique de la chaleur that the conductibility of heat was contained in the motion<br />
of flux, Poisson showed that it must be derived from an absorptive coefficient<br />
restoring the neglected functional dimension…One of Poisson’s chief treatises.”<br />
Classics of Italian Hydraulic Literature<br />
82. RACCOLTA D’AUTORI che Trattano del Moto dell’ Acque divisa in<br />
Tre Tomi. Engraved vignette on first title & 45 folding plates (mostly<br />
woodcut but a few engraved). xxxvii, [1], 408 pp.; 2 p.l., 713 pp.; 2 p.l., 576<br />
pp. Three vols. 4to, cont. vellum over boards, red morocco lettering piece<br />
on spines. Florence: Tartini & Franchi, 1723. $5000.00<br />
First edition of this vast and important collection of Italian hydraulic literature.<br />
Because the Italians had pressing economic reasons to manage rivers, improve<br />
drainage, and construct harbors, many of the country’s most skilled engineers<br />
and scientists over the centuries became involved in hydraulic projects.<br />
The collection contains both theoretical treatises and those dealing with<br />
specific rivers, marshes, and construction projects. The authors included are
70<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
Archimedes, Albizi, Galileo, Castelli, Michelini, Borelli, Montanari, Viviani,<br />
Cassini, Guglielmini, Grandi, Manfredi, Piccard, and Narducci.<br />
Very good set. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.<br />
É Riccardi, II, 330-31–“queste pregevoli compilazioni.”<br />
The First Comprehensive Book Devoted to the<br />
Manufacture of Steel & Iron<br />
83. RÉAUMUR, René-Antoine Ferchault de. L’Art de convertir le Fer<br />
forgé en Acier, et l’Art d’adoucir le Fer fondu, ou de faire des Ouvrages de fer<br />
fondu aussi finis que de fer forgé. Seventeen folding engraved plates. 10 p.l.,<br />
566, [2] pp. Large 4to, cont. marbled calf (upper joint with a short split at<br />
head), spine nicely gilt, contrasting leather lettering piece on spine. Paris:<br />
M. Brunet, 1722. $4000.00<br />
First edition of the first comprehensive book devoted to the manufacture of<br />
iron and steel; it “laid the foundations of the steel industry in<br />
France.”–Partington, III, p. 64. Réaumur was the first to recognize that steel was<br />
actually impure iron and set up the first scale of seven types of fracture of iron<br />
and steel.<br />
The fine plates are valuable for illustrating the contemporary apparatus and<br />
methods of converting iron into steel. For a detailed account of this book, see<br />
D.S.B., XI, pp. 328-30.<br />
A very fine and handsome copy. Later inscription on free front endpaper:<br />
“Bibliotheque du Chateau de Chatenoy en 1771.”<br />
É Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 273-74–“Réaumur’s most original<br />
contribution to industrial technology…Part one, containing twelve memoirs,<br />
deals with the production of steel from the construction of the furnaces, through<br />
the tempering process and the apparatus used to determine the hardness of the<br />
finished product. The second part, in six memoirs, describes the various kinds<br />
of cast iron, and of casting methods, moulds, additives, and furnaces. As well, it<br />
explains a process for producing cast iron using red oxide of iron, which was<br />
unique to the 19th century.”<br />
84. RICHARDSON, John. Johann Richardsons Vorschläge zu neuen<br />
Vortheilen beym Bierbrauen. Nebst Beschreibung seines neuerfundenen<br />
Instruments, um den Gehalt des Bieres zu erforschen. Aus dem Englischen mit<br />
Anmerkungen übersetzt. Mit einer Vorrede begleitet von D. Lorenz<br />
Crell. Engraved frontis. 20 p.l.(incl. frontis.), 234 pp. 8vo, cont. blue<br />
boards, flat spine gilt, red leather lettering piece on spine. Berlin &<br />
Stettin: F. Nicolai, 1788. $1250.00<br />
First edition in German, a translation of Theoretic Hints on an Improved Practice<br />
of Brewing Malt-Liquors (1st ed.: 1777) by Richardson (fl. 1778-98). The text by
Item 84. Richardson, 1788 (reduced)
72<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
Richardson has been greatly augmented with important additions by Lorenz<br />
Crell (1744-1816), professor of chemistry and mineralogy at Brunswick and later<br />
at Göttingen and an early proponent of Lavoisier. Crell was an active<br />
correspondent of all the leading chemists in Germany and other countries and<br />
his journals diffused a knowledge of the French, British, and Swedish<br />
discoveries in Germany.<br />
Fine copy.<br />
É Schoellhorn 255.<br />
85. ROBISON, John. A System of Mechanical Philosophy. [Edited] with<br />
notes, by David Brewster. 50 folding engraved plates & numerous illus.<br />
in the text. Four vols. 8vo, slightly later half-calf & pebbled cloth sides,<br />
spines gilt. Edinburgh: Printed for John Murray, London. 1822.<br />
$2500.00<br />
First edition and a fine attractive set. Robison (1739-1805), professor of natural<br />
philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, was the principal contributor to the<br />
third edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica; many, but not all, of the articles<br />
printed here were written for that publication and intended to instruct artisans<br />
and craftsmen.<br />
“Volume I contains articles on dynamics, and strength of materials and its<br />
applications in construction. Volume II contains his article on steam and steam<br />
engines for the Encylopaedia Britannica with the thirty-page appendix by Watt,<br />
as well as papers on machinery, the resistance of fluids, water-works, pumps,<br />
and his theory of rivers. Volume III contains his contributions on astronomy, the<br />
telescope, and on pneumatics. Volume IV contains miscellaneous contributions<br />
on electricity, magnetism, variation of the compass, music, various musical<br />
instruments, watch mechanics, and seamanship.”–Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca<br />
Mechanica, p. 280.<br />
Lacks half-titles. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.<br />
É D.S.B., XI, pp. 495-98. Wheeler Gift <strong>Cat</strong>. 791.<br />
The Chemistry of Dyes with 247 Color Samples<br />
86. RUNGE, Friedlieb Ferdinand. Grundriss der Chemie. 247 mounted<br />
color samples in the text. xxiv, 333, [1] pp.; xxxii, 316 pp., one leaf of<br />
errata. Two vols. 8vo, cont. pale blue paper-backed marbled boards<br />
(several corners a bit worn), spines gilt, orange leather lettering pieces on<br />
spines. Munich: G. Franz, 1846-47. $2750.00<br />
First edition of this rare work on the chemistry of dyes by the co-discoverer of<br />
aniline dyes in coal-tar. Runge (1795-1867), was associate professor in Breslau<br />
and later in the Prussian Marine service in Berlin and Oranienburg.<br />
Nice set with all 247 mounted color samples. Old library stamps on each title.<br />
É D.S.B., XI, pp. 615-16. Hein & Schwarz, Deutsche Apotheker-Biographie, Vol. II,
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 73<br />
p. 549–“R., der ein sehr vielseitiger Chemiker war, hat sich in erster Linie mit der<br />
Chemie des Steinkohlenteers befasst und wurde somit zum Begründer der<br />
Steinkohlenteerchemie.” Neville, II, p. 407–“An important treatise on the<br />
preparation, properties, and uses of inorganic pigments and dyes, by the<br />
codiscoverer of aniline dyes made from compounds isolated from coal tar.”<br />
Partington, IV, pp. 183-84. Poggendorff, II, 721-22. Not in Ron, Bibliotheca<br />
Tinctoria.<br />
An Ophthalmological Classic<br />
87. SCARPA, Antonio. Saggio di Osservazioni e d’Esperienze sulle<br />
Principali Malattie degli Occhi. Engraved frontis. port. & three fine<br />
engraved plates. 1 p.l., xi, 278, [1] pp. Large 4to, cont. green moroccobacked<br />
marbled boards (minor foxing & browning), flat spine gilt. Pavia:<br />
B. Comino, 1801. $3000.00<br />
First edition of the first textbook on the subject to be published in the Italian<br />
language; Scarpa has been called “the father of Italian ophthalmology.”<br />
“In this work Scarpa first described the operation of iridodialysis. The chapters<br />
on diseases of the vessels in the eye, on cataract, and on staphyloma are<br />
particularly noteworthy. Scarpa’s books were all superbly <strong>illustrated</strong> with his<br />
own drawings and the plates in this work, engraved by Faustino Anderloni, bear<br />
witness to Scarpa’s artistic talent. Duke-Elder considered this the greatest work<br />
on ophthalmology that had appeared up to its time.”–Becker <strong>Cat</strong>. 207.<br />
Garrison considered Scarpa’s illustrations to be the “crown and flower of<br />
achievement in anatomic pen-drawing.”<br />
A very good and large copy.<br />
É Garrison-Morton 5835. Waller 8543.<br />
An Incunable of Lithography<br />
88. SCHARL, Benno. Beschreibung der Braunbier-Brauerey im Königreiche<br />
Baiern. Four folding lithographed plates. 2 p.l., 150 pp. 8vo, cont. halfsheep<br />
& boards, spine gilt & attractively decorated with orange & pale<br />
blue lettering pieces. Munich: J. Lindauer, 1814. $1750.00<br />
First edition, posthumously published, and very rare with no copy in the U.S.<br />
Brown (“dunkel”) beer became popular in Bavaria in the 18th century and<br />
demand greatly increased in the following hundred years. The present work<br />
describes the ideal construction of a brewery dedicated to the production of<br />
brown beer (the materials used in brewing brown beer caused special design<br />
needs). Scharl also describes in detail the methods of brewing brown beer.<br />
Scharl (1741-1812), was an economist and brewer. Pages 1-28 provide a most<br />
detailed biography of this interesting man. The fine plates, depicting a cross-
Item 89. Schuebler, 1734 (much reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 75<br />
section view of the three story brewery (with additional basement) and a floor<br />
plan of each story, are an early use of lithography.<br />
Very good copy. Some browning.<br />
É Schoelhorn 58, 331.<br />
Magic Squares & Perspective<br />
89. SCHUEBLER, Johann Jacob. Ars Inveniendi sive Partitio MA Damae.<br />
Das ist: Die in dem Antiquen Progressions-Quadrat der Lunae durch Zahlen,<br />
Buchstaben und Linien verhüllte Entia Invisiblia, welche aud dem<br />
Pythagorischen Gedancken-Gemähld oder metathesi numerorum… Finely<br />
engraved frontis. & 34 engraved plates. 196, [4] pp. Folio, cont. calf<br />
(minor rubbing), red leather lettering piece on spine. Nuremberg: J.C.<br />
Weigel’s Widow, 1734. $7500.00<br />
First edition of this handsome and rare book; this is a very fine, fresh, and crisp<br />
copy. Schuebler (1689-1741), was a prominent Nuremberg mathematician,<br />
architect, and artist, who wrote many standard works on the design of houses,<br />
public buildings, and gardens. He was also engaged in various fields of applied<br />
mathematics and became a member of the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences<br />
in 1735.<br />
The present work is concerned with magic squares, whose origins are Chinese,<br />
and the geometrical and perspectival construction of technical drawings. The<br />
finely engraved plates depict magic squares as well as superb technical examples<br />
of ornamental and architectural motifs.<br />
É Berlin 4731.<br />
90. SCHUEBLER, Johann Jacob. Die aus denen antiquen Principiis<br />
naturalibus Numerorum eröfnete Arithmetica Compendiosissima, oder die durch<br />
blosses Auffschlagen in einem bequemen Rechnungs-Lexicon sich<br />
selbst-rechnende Rechen-Kunst, Mit welcher alle Menschen, so nur die Zahlen<br />
kennen, vermögend seynd, die mögliche Fälle der ganzen Rechen-Kunst…behend<br />
aufzulösen…und ohne Erlernung des sogenannten Ein mal Eins…alles<br />
ausrechen können. Several woodcuts & extensive tables in the text. 24 p.l.,<br />
501, [1] pp. Large 4to, cont. polished speckled calf, initials on upper cover<br />
“F.G.Z.S.H.v.W. 1739,” spine finely gilt, red morocco lettering piece on<br />
spine. Nuremberg: J.M. Seitz & C.C. Zell, 1739. $4750.00<br />
First edition and a very fine copy from the library of [Karl] Friedrich Graf zu<br />
Sayn Hohenstein und Wittgenstein (1708-56), with his initials on the upper cover<br />
(one sees books from his library on the market from time-to-time. It must have<br />
been a fine and handsome collection).<br />
The present work is a practical introduction to all aspects of calculation
Item 90. Schuebler, 1739 (much reduced)
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 77<br />
including multiplication, division, trigonometry (with references to Napier),<br />
arithmetical and geometrical progressions, etc.<br />
A very fine copy and rare with no copy in the U.S., according to OCLC.<br />
É Poggendorff, II, 853.<br />
91. SMITH, Robert. Vollständiger Lehrbegriff der Optik nach Herrn Roberts<br />
Smiths Englischen mit Aenderungen und Zusätzen ausgearbeitet von<br />
Abraham Gotthelf Kästner. Engraved allegorical vignette on title & 22<br />
folding engraved plates. 12 p.l., 531, [5] pp. Large 4to, cont. half-sheep &<br />
speckled boards (light foxing throughout), spine gilt, contrasting leather<br />
lettering piece on spine. Altenburg: Richter, 1755. $5500.00<br />
First edition in German (1st ed.: 1738). This is an important edition, containing<br />
the valuable alterations and additions of Abraham Gotthelf Kästner (1719-1800),<br />
professor of mathematics and physics at the University of Göttingen. He became<br />
“an influential figure through his teaching and writing; Göttingen’s reputation<br />
as a center of mathematical studies dates from that time. Kaestner is also known<br />
in German literature, notably for his epigrams...Kaestner owes his place in the<br />
history of mathematics to his great success as an expositor and to the seminal<br />
character of his thought. His output as a writer in mathematics and its<br />
applications (optics, dynamics, astronomy), in the form of long works and<br />
hundreds of essays and memoirs, was prodigious.”–D.S.B., VII, p. 206.<br />
This was “the most influential optical textbook of the eighteenth<br />
century.”–D.S.B., XII, p. 477. It is largely based on the optics of Newton. “Of the<br />
four books…the first deals in a non-technical manner with the fundamental<br />
experiments in optics, while the second provides a more formal treatment of the<br />
geometrical theory of the subject. Smith studied the problem of spherical<br />
aberrations in greater generality than his predecessors, Barrow and Huygens.<br />
The third book describes apparatus for grinding and polishing lenses and<br />
specula, and it gives a complete account of the construction, adjustment, and use<br />
of the principal optical instruments, while the fourth book gives a history of<br />
telescopic discoveries in the heavens.”–Wolf, History of Science, II, p. 171. There<br />
is a long chapter on various microscopes.<br />
An absolutely lovely copy with attractive stenciled endpapers. Bookplate of the<br />
Augustiner-Chorherrenstifts Rottenbuch in upper Bavaria.<br />
É Clay & Court, History of the Microscope, pp. 46, 70, 98, 110, 116, 117, & 229-31.<br />
King, History of the Telescope, pp. 56, 78, 84-85, & 120.
78<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
Haller Amplified & Corrected<br />
92. SPALLANZANI, Lazzaro. Dell’ Azione del Cuore ne’ Vasi Sanguigni.<br />
Nuove Osservazioni. 1 p.l., 71, [1] pp. Small 4to, orig. semi-stiff boards,<br />
uncut. [Modena: 1768]. $3950.00<br />
First edition and a lovely copy of one of the author’s scarcer books.<br />
Spallanzani’s Dell’ azione del cuore ne’ vasi sanguini, “outlined his findings on the<br />
action of the heart upon the blood vessels and was addressed to the great<br />
physiologist Albrecht von Haller…<br />
“Haller’s microscopic observations of blood movements in his Deux mémoires<br />
sur le mouvement du sang (1756) had been made by refracted light on<br />
medium-sized vessels in the isolated mesentery of the frog. Spallanzani, using<br />
P. Lyonet’s novel dissecting apparatus, conducted his observations mostly in a<br />
darkened room with reflected light from sunbeams impinging upon exposed<br />
parts of the aquatic salamander. He systematically noted how the cardiac systolic<br />
force motivated the blood circulation. The rhythmic inequality of blood flow in<br />
the aorta and large vessels disappeared in medium and small arteries, becoming<br />
regular and uniform. The velocity diminished in the smaller vessels, but<br />
sinuosities did not retard the flow. In the smallest vessels, individual red<br />
corpuscles negotiated acute angles and folds by elastically changing shape. The<br />
blood velocity in the venous system increased as the caliber of the vessels<br />
enlarged. Haller responded to the many amplifications and corrections of his<br />
work by securing Spallanzani’s election to the Royal Society of Sciences of<br />
Göttingen.”–D.S.B., XII, p. 556.<br />
Fine copy.<br />
É Prandi, pp. 32-33.<br />
Presented by Senebier to Charles Bonnet<br />
93. SPALLANZANI, Lazzaro. Opuscules de Physique, Animale et<br />
Végétale…traduits de l’Italien, et augmentés d’une Introduction dans<br />
laquelle on fait connoître les découvertes microscopiques dans les trois<br />
Règnes de la Nature…par Jean Senebier…On y a joint plusieurs Lettres<br />
rélatives à ces Opuscules écrites…par Mr. Charles Bonnet & par d’autres<br />
Naturalistes célébres. Six folding engraved plates. 2 p.l., cxxiv, 255, [6]<br />
pp.; 1 p.l., 405, [3] pp. Two vols. 8vo, cont. sheep (corners & heads of<br />
spines a bit worn), spines nicely gilt, green & brown vellum lettering<br />
pieces on spines. Geneva: B. Chirol, 1777. $3250.00<br />
First edition in French (1st ed., in Italian: 1776) of one of Spallanzani’s most<br />
important works, containing “five reports that displayed unexcelled<br />
experimental skill, remarkable powers of observation and lucid literary<br />
talent.”–D.S.B., XII, p. 557–(& see pp. 557-58 for a full discussion of this book’s
Item 92. Spallanzani, 1768 (reduced)
80<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
contents).<br />
The first volume contains Spallanzani’s refutation of Needham’s theories on<br />
spontaneous generation. The main treatise in the second volume confirmed and<br />
extended Leeuwenhoek’s observations on spermatozoa and refuted Buffon’s<br />
concepts of their nature and origin.<br />
The translation into French by Senebier is known for its accuracy.<br />
A fine, pretty, and fresh copy, with the contemporary inscription on each title:<br />
“Donné par le Trad: Charles Bonnet.”<br />
É Garrison-Morton 102–(1st ed.)–“Later confutation of the theory of<br />
spontaneous generation. Spallanzani’s conclusions were similar to those<br />
expressed by Pasteur nearly a century later.” Prandi, Spallanzani, p. 80–“Bella<br />
edizione, non comune.”<br />
The Bell Rock Lighthouse<br />
94. STEVENSON, Robert. An Account of the Bell Rock Light-House,<br />
including the Details of the Erection and Peculiar Structure of that Edifice. To<br />
which is prefixed a Historical View of the Institution and Progress of the<br />
Northern Light-Houses…Drawn up by desire of the Commissioners of the<br />
Northern Light-Houses. Twenty-three engraved plates (mostly doublepage<br />
or folding), including a frontispiece drawn by J.M.W. Turner. xix,<br />
533, [2] pp. Large thick 4to, later 19th-cent. morocco (joints carefully<br />
repaired, foot of spine a little chipped), sides panelled in gilt, spine gilt,<br />
entirely uncut. Edinburgh: A. Constable, 1824. $4500.00<br />
First edition and a fine copy of this handsomely <strong>illustrated</strong> account of the<br />
construction of the Bell Rock lighthouse. In the last years of the 18th century,<br />
Stevenson was named engineer to the Scottish lighthouse board. “He<br />
inaugurated the Scottish lighthouse system, which is still conducted on the lines<br />
he initiated. Under his superintendence no fewer than twenty lighthouses were<br />
designed and constructed, and many improvements, now in universal use, were<br />
due to his ingenuity. He brought the catoptric or reflecting system of lighting to<br />
perfection, advocated the adoption of the dioptric or refracting system with its<br />
central lamp, and invented the intermittent and flashing lights…The most<br />
important of his lighthouses was the famous Bell Rock tower, erected on a<br />
dangerous reef submerged by every tide to the depth of twelve feet, and lying<br />
in the fairway of ships making for the estuaries of the Tay and Forth. Previous<br />
attempts made by Captain Brodie to erect beacons upon it had failed. In the<br />
storm of 1799 seventy sail were wrecked off the reef, among them the York,<br />
74-gun ship. After a careful survey Stevenson designed and modelled a tower,<br />
and reported on 28 Dec. 1800 to his board that the erection of a stone tower on<br />
the reef was practicable…<br />
“After five years of arduous labour the lighthouse was in working order…The<br />
tower, which, as in all Stevenson’s lighthouses, is free from architectural
Item 95. Struve, 1822
82<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
adornment, rises to the height of 100 ft. ; the diameter at the base is 42 ft.,<br />
diminishing to 16 ft. at the top. Above the solid, which is 80 ft. in height, is the<br />
entrance doorway, the interior being divided into six stories. Smeaton in his<br />
Eddystone tower adopted an arched form of floor, rendering it necessary to<br />
insert chains embedded in the masonry to counteract the outward thrust ; but<br />
in the Bell Rock tower, by an ingenious arrangement of the masonry, the stone<br />
floors were converted into effective ‘bonds,’ thus tying the walls together, for as<br />
the stone floors form part of the walls, outward thrust is prevented. All<br />
subsequent rock towers have this form of floor. The cubic contents of the tower<br />
are more than double those of the Eddystone, from which it differs in many<br />
respects owing to its far more difficult and dangerous site…The optical<br />
apparatus consisted of parabolic reflectors of silvered copper, combined with<br />
argand burners, arranged on a four-sided frame, the best and most complete<br />
apparatus then known…Since the lighting of the Bell Rock not a single wreck<br />
has taken place on the reef…<br />
“Not only was the tower itself novel in design, but the implements used in its<br />
erection had to be invented. The balance and movable jib cranes were for the<br />
first time used at the Bell Rock. The latter is now in universal use. Ball-bearing<br />
were also introduced into the cranes at the Bell Rock for the first time. Stevenson<br />
further designed for the temporary lightship moored off the Bell Rock tower<br />
during its construction — the first lightship placed in so deep water — a lantern<br />
to surround the mast, instead of small lanterns hung from the yard-arms or<br />
frames. This improvement is now universally adopted.”–D.N.B., XVIII, pp. 1130-<br />
31.<br />
The frontispiece illustration of the lighthouse during a storm is drawn by<br />
J.M.W. Turner.<br />
A handsome copy. Ex Bibliotheca Mechanica.<br />
An Early Study of the Mineralogy & Geology of North America<br />
95. STRUVE, Heinrich Christian Gottfried von. Beiträge zur<br />
Mineralogie und Geologie des nördlichen Amerika’s. Nach Amerikanischen<br />
Zeitschriften bearbeitet. Title with engraved vignette of “Gediegener<br />
Kupferfels am See Superior.” 3 p.l., 124 pp. 8vo, cont. half-calf & marbled<br />
boards, spine gilt, black leather lettering piece on spine. Hamburg:<br />
Perthes & Bessel 1822. $3500.00<br />
First edition and rather scarce on the market. “Rare. The state of mineralogy<br />
in the free states of America is so little known that this treatise was deemed<br />
necessary for the friends of nature. In its preparation, the American journals of<br />
Benjamin Silliman, the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences in<br />
Philadelphia and Cleaveland’s Treatise on Mineralogy and Geology have been<br />
consulted. The first 22 pages contain a listing of minerals found in North<br />
America by Struve. The remainder of the volume is devoted to extracts of articles
Item 96. Trecco, 1792 (reduced)
84<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
by Schoolcraft, Jessup, Dickson, Troost, among others.”–Schuh, Mineralogy &<br />
Crystallography: A Biobibliography, 1469 to 1920, 4547.<br />
Struve (1772-1851), was secretary of the Russian delegation to various German<br />
cities.<br />
Fine copy.<br />
É Poggendorff, II, 1035-36.<br />
Flax<br />
96. TRECCO, Giovanni Battista. Coltivazione e Governo del Lino<br />
Marzuolo. Fine engraved title & 12 finely engraved plates. 1 p.l., viii, 80<br />
pp. Large 4to, orig. semi-stiff boards, many edges uncut. Vicenza: D.<br />
Bardella, 1792. $3250.00<br />
First edition of this handsomely <strong>illustrated</strong> work which describes the<br />
cultivation of the land to grow flax, and the entire process — harvesting, retting,<br />
breaking, scutching, cleaning, spinning, weaving, and bleaching — of flax to<br />
manufacture linen. The twelve plates depict methods of cultivation and<br />
processing of flax, including the tools employed and workers in contemporary<br />
dress. Flax was, without any competitor, the most important of all vegetable<br />
fibers until the close of the 18th century when cotton took its place as the<br />
supreme vegetable fiber of commerce.<br />
Trecco (1747-1830), abbot at the cathedral at Vicenza, was greatly interested in<br />
improving the agricultural methods used in Italy. His tireless efforts won him<br />
considerable local fame.<br />
Fine and handsome copy in original state.<br />
The Theory of the Origin of Ore Deposits;<br />
An Uncut Copy<br />
97. WERNER, Abraham Gottlob. Neue Theorie von der Entstehung der<br />
Gänge, mit Anwendung auf den Bergbau besonders den freibergischen. xxxx,<br />
256 pp. 8vo, cont. paste-paper boards (minor foxing), uncut. Freiberg:<br />
Gerlach, 1791. $2500.00<br />
First edition. This work by Werner, who is known as the father of historical<br />
geology, describes his “theory of the origin of ore deposits which would be<br />
consistent with his general theory of the origin of the earth’s crust…Many of its<br />
elements were of lasting value. Werner formulated basic questions about the<br />
origin and history of veins and their contents, established criteria for<br />
determining the relative age of veins and vein materials, and presented a<br />
comparative study of the structure of veins and rock masses…Perhaps the most<br />
important contribution of Von den Entstehung der Gänge, however, was that it<br />
made the study of vein formation an integral part of historical geology.”–D.S.B.,
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 85<br />
XIV, pp. 262-63.<br />
Fine copy.<br />
É Hoover 878.<br />
His Final Thoughts on the Subject;<br />
In Original State<br />
98. WERNER, Abraham Gottlob. Letztes Mineral-System. Aus dessen<br />
Nachlasse auf oberbergamtliche Anordnung herausgegeben und mit<br />
Erläuterungen versehen. xiv, 58 pp. 8vo, orig. printed wrappers (slightly<br />
frayed), uncut. Freiberg & Vienna: Craz, Gerlach, & Gerold, 1817.<br />
$1500.00<br />
First edition. Werner’s famous and influential mineral system was published<br />
three times, each with substantial revisions and enlargements, in 1789, 1816, and<br />
1817. The present edition, published posthumously by order of the Saxon<br />
government, was prepared from Werner’s notes by his students J.C. Freiesleben,<br />
August Breithaupt, and A.W. Köhler. “This was his last work on his beloved<br />
science of mineralogy.”–Adams, The Birth and Development of the Geological<br />
Sciences, p, 204–(with a detailed outline of the system).<br />
The long introduction gives curious details about Werner’s life and the<br />
disposition of his estate.<br />
Very good copy in original state. Old library stamp on upper cover and title.<br />
É Hoover 877.<br />
A Landmark in the History of Embryology<br />
99. WOLFF, Caspar Friedrich. Über die Bildung des Darmkanals im<br />
bebrüteten Hühnchen. Uebersetzt und mit einleitenden Abhandlung und<br />
Anmerkungen versehen von Johann Friedrich Meckel. Two folding<br />
engraved plates. 263, [1] pp. 8vo, orig. German marbled boards<br />
(extremities with minor wear & rubbing), orig. label on spine. Halle:<br />
Renger, 1812. $4500.00<br />
First separate edition and the first edition in German. “One of the<br />
acknowledged classics of embryology.”–Garrison-Morton 471–(describing the<br />
publication of the Latin original in the journal of the St. Petersburg Academy of<br />
Sciences in 1768-69). Wolff’s description of the formation of the chick’s intestine<br />
by the rolling inward of the leaf-like layer of the blastoderm was important for<br />
proving his theory of epigenesis, and at the same time disproving<br />
preformationism. These leaf-like layers were a potent influence in the work of<br />
Pander and Baer, who praised this book highly.<br />
Wolff’s paper was largely ignored until the appearance of this translation into<br />
Germany by Meckel, who added a 56-page introduction and notes. “The<br />
publication of Meckel’s translation of Wolff’s treatise on the formation of the
Item 100. Zueckert, 1769
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 87<br />
intestines of the chick was an event whose importance, in view of the profound<br />
influence which this work exerted upon Pander and von Baer, it would be<br />
difficult to overestimate.”–Adelmann, Marcel Malpighi and the Evolution of<br />
Embryology, IV, pp. 1652-1702.<br />
“It is interesting to note that the facts brought forward by Wolff have never<br />
been contradicted, but have been used as a foundation to which numberless<br />
morphological embryologists have added facts discovered by<br />
themselves.”–Needham, A History of Embryology, pp. 221-23. In several places<br />
Wolff describes the mesonephroi, the renal organs now known as “Wolffian<br />
bodies.” These descriptions are briefer than the ones in his Theoria Generationis<br />
(1759), “but are in some respects a distinct improvement on his earlier accounts”<br />
(Adelmann).<br />
Very good clean copy. Blind library stamp on title and on p. 259. Inked<br />
withdrawn stamp on verso of title and a small hole in blank margin of first plate.<br />
100. ZUECKERT, Johann Friedrich. Materia Alimentaria in Genera,<br />
Classes, et Species disposita. Engraved vignette on title. 4 p.l., 427, [1] pp.<br />
8vo, cont. speckled half-sheep & speckled boards (minor browning),<br />
spine richly gilt. Berlin: A. Mylius, 1769. $2250.00<br />
First edition of a rather scarce book in which the author classifies and describes<br />
all foods and beverages consumed by humans. A work clearly inspired by<br />
Linnaeus, Zückert provides a history of nutrition and dietetics and describes his<br />
method of classification. For each foodstuff and drink, he gives alternate names<br />
in various languages, a careful scientific description, references, etc.<br />
Zückert (1737-78), was a physician at Berlin and the author of many books on<br />
medicine, balneology, and geology.<br />
Fine and fresh copy.<br />
É Schraemli 46.<br />
Selective Subject Index begins on following page
88<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
Selective Subject Index<br />
Agriculture: 35, 42, 96<br />
Alchemy: 75<br />
Americana: 95<br />
Anatomy: 87<br />
Architecture: 46, 50, 88, 89<br />
Art: 4, 46, 58, 64, 89<br />
Astronomy: 21, 30, 33, 39, 48, 60, 71, 73, 77, 85<br />
Auction <strong>Cat</strong>alogues: 7-16<br />
Bibliography: 7-16, 27, 44, 54, 59, 72<br />
Biography: 17<br />
Biology: 93, 99<br />
Botany: 40, 42, 52<br />
Bridges: 50, 67, 78<br />
Calculus: 38, 65<br />
Canals: 48, 50<br />
Cancer: 2<br />
Cardiology: 92<br />
Cartography: 51<br />
<strong>Cat</strong>alogues: 6-16, 44, 54, 72<br />
Ceramics: 43<br />
Chemistry: 3, 11, 20, 22-24, 28, 29, 31, 36, 40, 41, 46, 47, 49, 53, 57, 58, 61,<br />
74, 75, 80, 83, 84, 86, 100<br />
Comets: 33, 71<br />
Conchology: 43<br />
Crystallography: 66<br />
Dibner items: 3<br />
Dictionaries: 51, 58, 59<br />
Dietetics: 100<br />
Dyeing & Bleaching: 49, 53, 57, 58, 74, 86, 96<br />
Early Printed Books (before 1601): 3, 5, 33, 37<br />
Electricity & Magnetism: 19, 45, 85<br />
Embryology: 93, 99<br />
Engineering: 22, 46, 50, 67, 68, 78, 82, 85, 94<br />
Evolution: 52<br />
Forests: 42<br />
Galileo: 5, 77<br />
Gardens: 42<br />
Garrison-Morton items: 2, 87, 93, 99
CATALOGUE T WO H UNDRED & F IVE 89<br />
Gastronomy: 35, 80, 84, 88, 100<br />
Gems: 4, 28, 29, 43, 66, 70<br />
Geography: 70<br />
Geology: 3, 4, 55, 62, 66, 70, 95, 97, 98<br />
Geometry: 51, 64, 89, 90, 91<br />
Glass: 3<br />
History: 17, 76<br />
Hoover items: 3, 62, 70, 97, 98<br />
Horblit items: 3<br />
Horology: 85<br />
Horticulture: 42, 71<br />
Hydraulics: 18, 26, 48, 68, 82, 85<br />
Instruments: 30, 34, 51, 61, 77, 85, 91<br />
Law: 63<br />
Literature: 27<br />
Machines: 26, 67, 68, 85<br />
Magic: 4, 89<br />
Mathematics: 38, 39, 48, 65, 73, 79, 81, 89, 90<br />
Mechanics: 18, 30, 50, 78, 81, 85<br />
Medicine: 1, 2, 17, 20, 25, 28, 29, 47, 59, 64, 85, 87, 92, 93, 99, 100<br />
Metallurgy: 3, 22, 49, 61, 83<br />
Meteorology: 19<br />
Microscopy: 91<br />
Military History: 77<br />
Mineralogy: 3, 43, 55, 59, 61, 66, 70, 95, 97, 98<br />
Mining: 3, 63, 68, 69<br />
Museums & Cabinets: 4, 62<br />
Music: 85<br />
Natural History: 3, 28, 29, 32, 40-43, 47, 52, 55, 59, 62, 66, 70, 93, 95, 97, 98<br />
Navigation: 73<br />
Newtoniana: 20, 38, 65<br />
Nutrition: 100<br />
Ophthalmology: 64, 85, 87<br />
Optics: 38, 64, 91<br />
Paleontology: 43, 62<br />
Perspective: 64, 89<br />
Pharmacology: 40, 59<br />
Philosophy: 20<br />
Physics: 5, 18, 26, 37, 38, 45, 78, 79, 81, 85<br />
Physiology: 20, 64, 93, 100
90<br />
JONATHAN A. HILL<br />
Printing & the Mind of Man items: 3<br />
Surgery: 1, 2<br />
Surveying: 34, 51<br />
Technology: 3, 22, 26, 43, 49, 53, 57, 58, 63, 67-69, 74, 80, 84-86, 94<br />
Textbooks: 31, 36, 86<br />
Textiles: 49, 53, 57, 96<br />
Transport: 3<br />
Trigonometry: 90<br />
Wine & Beer: 35, 71, 80, 84, 88, 100<br />
Women: 49
<strong>Jonathan</strong> A. <strong>Hill</strong><br />
<strong>Bookseller</strong><br />
325 West End Avenue / Apt. 10b<br />
New York, New York 10023-8143<br />
<<br />
telephone: [646] 827-0724<br />
fax: [212] 496-9182<br />
mobile: [917] 294-2678<br />
<<br />
e-mail:<br />
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jojohillnyc@gmail.com<br />
<<br />
home page:<br />
www.jonathanahill.com<br />
jonathan a. hill, bookseller catalogue 2o5