Cancrin, Franz Ludwig von | Erste Gründe der Berg und Salzwerkskunde

Cancrin, Franz Ludwig

Erste Gründe der Berg und Salzwerkskunde. Frankfurt am Main: In der Andreätschen Buchhandlung, 1773-1791

12 volumes bound in 10, 8vo (182 x 115 mm). Profusely illustrated with approximately 206 plates, many of which folding. Contemporary half calf, decorated paper boards.

A very thorough work on mining and mineral, salt, and metal refinement, published over a period of 19 years in 12 volumes of 24 parts. “The Erste Gründe der Berg und Salzwerkskunde is considered the most complete work on mining and the refining of minerals, metals and salt written in the 18th century. It was published in Frankfurt am Main from 1773 to 1791 in 12 Teilen [DSB incorrectly says 21]. This rare series is a difficult bibliographical problem. Although incomplete, the list below provides some help with paginations of the various sections” (Schuh). According to Schuh [according to Yampol’s sheet], this set is lacking teil 1, 2, 7 (3 pts.), 9 (4 pts.), 11 (5 pts.) and 12. Despite this, large runs of this publication are very scarce. Auction records detail individual volumes, but nothing to the extent of this set, which is further distinguished by its very handsome binding.

Cancrin was descended from a mining family and attended the University of Jena from 1759 to 1762. He became clerk in the Hanau assessor office, 1764, to which he was appointed assessor in the revenue office, 1767. Later, he became professor of mathematics at the Hanau Military Academy. In 1783, Cancrin entered the service of the Russian Empress Catherine II, including management of the Staraya Russa saltworks.

REFERENCES

Poggendorff I, 370; Schuh 1031

PROVENANCE

Bibliothek Schloss Liblin (inkstamp on front free endpaper)

Sold not subject to return.