Pierre-Joseph MACQUER

First illustrated edition with 4 folding plates at the end (instruments and tables of different elements).
Contemporary full brown sheep binding. Spine with raised bands, decorated. Red morocco title-label. One lack at head. Spine very rubbed overall. 2 corners slightly bumped. Gilt dulled on spine.
Engraved esoteric bookplate of AuG. Gilbert.
The first work published by the chemist and pharmacist Pierre Joseph Macquer, before composing his dictionary of chemistry in 1766 which made him famous. Working alongside Sigaud de la Fond then Lavoisier, he was one of the protagonists of modern chemistry and the abandonment of the Aristotelian system of 4 elements (air, water, earth and fire). In his work, he attempts like other chemists of his era to unveil substances similar to all elements. Following this first volume, Macquer would compose the Elements of Practical Chemistry.

Stated the second edition, but actually the third, enlarged, with three volumes and eight plates of constellations; rare. The first edition appeared in 1770 in a single volume, a second being added in 1771.

Contemporary spotted sheep, spine with four tools and roulettes to head and foot, red morocco title- and black morocco volume- labels, roulette frame to covers. Spines uniformly and slightly faded, lack to first blind-ruled compartment of spine of volume one. A good copy.

The work, in the form of an alphabetical dictionary, provides an overview of contemporary knowledge of natural history (mineralogy, botany, zoology, entomology, astronomy, and so on). Each article includes a curious or remarkable aspect of its subject (medical uses, strange properties, characteristics, etc). Several useful tables at end. Handsome.