Herman BOERHAAVE

Second edition of the French translation, rare, the first having appeared in 1748. This edition was shared in Amsterdam with two other booksellers, Arktée and Merkus and Corneille Haak. Title pages in red and black. The illustration comprises 17 numbered folding plates (instruments and experiments), 8 at the end of volume I and 9 in volume II. Translation by Jean Nicolas Sébastien Allamand, member of the Royal Society of London, from the original Latin edition published in 1732.
Contemporary full brown calf binding. Spine with raised bands. Red morocco title label, red morocco volume label. Overall rubbed and scuffed. Lacks to head of both volumes. Upper joint of volume I split 1cm at head. Title labels in head compartments with number 30185.
These Elements of Chemistry are divided into two main parts, one being an exposition of contemporary chemical theories, and the second containing a treatise on the 5 elements: fire, air, water, earth and "menstrua" (liquids capable of liquefying a solid). It is in this part that the author expounds his chemical theory to which Voltaire would refer and whose work and importance he placed alongside Newton's astronomical works. The latter had planned to establish a synthesis of it which he never completed.

The first edition was published in 1709.
Contemporary pamphlet. Kraft paper has been applied to reinforce the spine. Title marked in blue ballpoint pen. First leaf now only held by two stitches.
Hermann Boerhaave (1668-1738) was a distinguished physician and renowned botanist at the University of Leiden (undoubtedly the most famous of this period). His famous lectures attracted audiences from all over Europe. The aphorisms are a tribute to the physician whom the author idolized above all others: Hippocrates; numbering 483, they cover all subjects of medicine (rabies, cancer, rheumatism, catalepsy...) and with a didactic purpose present the content of his knowledge and teaching, as well as the knowledge of the time.