Brückmann, Franz Ernst | Magnalia Dei in Locis Subterraneis

Brückmann, Franz Ernst

Magnalia Dei in Locis Subterraneis, oder Unterirdische Schatz-Cammer aller Königreiche und Länder, in ausführlicher Beschreibung Aller, mehr als MDC. Bergwercke. [Vol. I]: Braunschweig: 1727; [Vol. II]: Wolfenbüttel: 1730

Two volumes, folio (334 x 208 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of the author & 50 engraved plates (some folding, see note below). Engraved vignettes on titles. Titles printed in red & black. 9 leaves (incl. port.); 9 leaves, 1136, [24] pp. Contemporary mottled sheep, spines finely gilt, red morocco lettering-pieces on spines; joints skillfully repaired.

[Bound with]:

Der Unterirdischen Schatz-Cammer aller Königreiche und Länder in Ausführlicher Beschreibung Aller, mehr als MDC. Bergwercke Durch Alle vier Welt-Theile. Istes [only] Supplement, Die Schwedischen Welterühmten Bergwercke betreffend. Wolfenbüttel: 1734

Folio. Three engraved plates (one folding).

First and only edition of this rare historical survey of mining all over the world, including chapters on the Americas and the Caribbean. A privately printed and beautifully illustrated work detailing more than 1600 mines in Europe and the rest of the world. There are two extensive sections on the mines of North and South America. The work was sold by subscription and, as there were only 177 subscribers, today this book is rare, especially with the accompanying supplement (the Freilich copy lacked the supplement).

Each mining town and site is described with thoroughness and precision, including details on mineral resources, production, and notable characteristics. Many of these mines are now long closed and forgotten, making this perhaps the most valuable surviving record of early 18th-century mining activity. The Supplement is devoted entirely to mining in Sweden.

Brückmann (1697–1753), a member of the Academia Caesarea Naturae Curiosorum, was a prolific writer on mining, mineralogy, and related branches of natural history. He practiced medicine in Helmstedt and Brunswick, and after inheriting a substantial fortune, traveled extensively, assembling a significant mineral collection.

The numerous fine plates depict mineral specimens, mines, mining machinery, etc. None of the Honeyman, Freilich or Macclesfield copies comprised all three parts. As normal, there is no plate 11 in the second part.

REFERENCES

Hoover 181 (1727 volume only)