Cronstedt, Axel von | Two first editions

Cronstedt, Axel von

Forsok til Mineralogie, eller mineral-rikets upstallning. Stockholm: Wildiska, 1758. [And:] Intrades-tal, om medel til mineralogiens vidare forkofran. Hallit for Kongl. Svenska Vetenskaps Academien. Stockholm: Salvius, 1754 

Two works in one volume, 8vo (168 x 102 mm). Second work with engraved vignette on title, woodcut ornaments in both works; very slight browning to first and last leaves, some soiling. Contemporary half calf and marbled paper-covered boards, spine with false bands in six compartments, second gilt-lettered, others with gilt floral device; extremities rubbed with some loss.

First editions. "His discovery of nickel and his pioneering in systemic blowpipe analysis brought the Swedish mineralogist Cronstedt to world attention. He laid the foundations for a new mineralogical system with his work of 1758" (Hoover).

PROVENANCE

G.A. Granstrom (bookplate to front pastedown) — Joseph A. Freilich (booklabel to front pastedown; Sotheby's New York, 10 January 2001, lot 137)