pdf - Roger Gaskell Rare Books

79
HARTLIB, Samuel (d. 1662)
Chymical, medicinal and chyrurgical addresses made to Samuel
Hartlib.
London: printed by G. Dawson for Giles Calvert at the Black-spread Eagle
at the West End of Pauls, 1655.
8vo: A4 B– L8 8
* † 4 , 96 leaves, pp. [8] 181 (i.e. 159, 78–79, 115–132
and 174–175 omitted) [25]. Divisional title ‘A short and easie method
of surgery... newly translated out of Dutch, 1654’ on K2.
129 x 80mm. Titlepage heavily soiled and with the corner restored
with loss of 2 letters; a few page numbers, signatures and catchwords
shaved or cropped; Wrst line of divisional title shaved; some minor
worming in the blank margins; brown stain in lower outer margin at
the beginning of the book. After the titlepage a good fresh copy.
Binding: Eighteenth­century mottled sheep, unlettered spine with gilt
bands. Joints cracked.
Provenance: Nineteenth­century armorial bookplate of Geroge F.
Cartwright.
First edition. Turnbull 50; Wing C3779; ESTC R209495; Fulton, Boyle [1].
This very rare book includes Robert Boyle’s Wrst published work, ‘An invitation
to a free and generous communication of secrets and receits in Physick’ (pp.
113–150), headed ‘Philaretus to Empyricus’ and signed ‘Philaretus’.
In the years leading up to the foundation of the Royal Society in 1660,
Hartlib’s initiative in promoting the exchange of scientiWc information was
inXuential, and was eagerly followed by Boyle. ‘His essay was composed very
much in the spirit of Hartlib’s demand for the completely free distribution
of intelligence on all matters. Boyle argued on both practical and theological
grounds for the free communication of newly discovered chemical remedies.
He asserted that by preserving cryptic language and oaths of secrecy, the
chemists could never be certain of the quality of their discoveries or ensure
the survival of their work in future generations.’ (Charles Webster, The Great
Instauration, 1975, p. 304).
In another contribution to the volume, ‘A Caveat for Alchymists’ (pp.
49–99), Gabriel Platts outlined a scheme for a state laboratory. After Platts’
death Frederick Clodius established a laboratory in Hartlib’s kitchen and a
neighbouring blacksmith’s shop. Plans were also drawn up for a ‘universal
laboratory’, and Hartlib wrote to Boyle on 8 May 1654 asking for his support.
(Webster p. 303). Platts’ essay is prefaced by an address to the reader dated
Westminster, 10 March 1643.
The full list of papers is given on the titlepage as follows:
1. Whether the Vrim & Thummim were given in the Mount, or perfected
by Art.
2. Sir George Ripley’s Epistle, to King Edward unfolded.
3. Gabriel Plats Caveat for Alchymists.
4. A Conference concerning the Phylosophers Stone.