Beschreibung:

Title: Sammelband of 18th century metallurgy and mineralogy works Author: ** Place: Various Places Publisher: Date: Various Dates Description: 5 titles including: Henckel, J[ohann] F[riedrich]. Henkelius in Mineralogia Redivius... [xiv], 327 pp. Engraved frontispiece. [Dresden: Joh. Nich. Gerlachen, 1747] * Bromell, Magnus. Mineralogia et Lithograpica Svecana... [xxvi], 148pp. Woodcut illustrations. [Stockholm: Kiesewetter, 1740] * Barba Albaro Alonso. Docimasie, Oder, Probir und Schmeltz-Kunst... [xvi], 155, [5] pp. Engraved folding frontispiece and 7 folding plates. [Vienna: Peter Conrad Monath, 1749] * Barba, Albaro Alonso. Berg-Buchlein, Darinnen von der Metallen und Mineralien Generalia und Ursprung... [iv], 198, [3] pp. [Frankfurt: Johann Friedrich Fliescher 1726] * Arnold, Theodor. Eine Untersuchung des Ursprungs und der Formirung der Fossilien, Oder Fisch-Schalen... 95, [5] pp. Engraved frontispiece. [Leipzig, Johann George Lowe, 1733]. Bound together in one volume, 6½x4¼, contemporary full mottled calf, spine decorated in gilt, morocco title label, all edges stained red. An unique collection of 5 scarce and important works on metallurgy and mineralogy, including 2 titles by Barba, who is considered one of the first writers to advocate what amounts to a laboratory control of an entire plant process as well as the computation of all costs (including fuel, mercury, additives, depreciation of equipment, and labor) before undertaking an operation. Duveen states, in regard to Barba's Docimasie..., "One of the most important alchemical books, as it contains a (seemingly) very convincing account of a transmutation, which is still believed by many at the present day". Lot Amendments Condition: Title label chipped, some wear to edges, vertical cracking to spine leather; large rubberstamps of a previous owner on each title page obscuring the text, title page to 4th title with several short tears; overall very good. Item number: 186646