Henkel, Johann Friedrich | First edition of Henkel’s influential lectures on early mineral chemistry

Henkel, Johann Friedrich

Henkelivus in Mineralogia redivivus, das ist; Hencklisch aufrichtiger und gründlicher Unterricht von der Mineralogie, oder Wissenschaft von Wassern, Erdsaften, Salzen, Erden, Steinen und Ertzen. Dresden: J. N. Gerlach, 1747

8vo (171 x 108 mm). Engraved frontispiece; light toning. Contemporary half vellum and speckled paper boards, edges speckled; light wear.

First edition of Henkel’s influential lectures on mineral chemistry, delivered privately in Freiberg. Johann Friedrich Henkel (1678–1744), physician, chemist, and later Director of Mines, is often called the “father of mineral chemistry” (Partington). His work laid foundational principles for the chemical analysis of mineral waters, salts, earths, stones, and ores. Henkel amassed a celebrated mineral and fossil collection of more than two thousand specimens, later deposited in the Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg.

REFERENCES

Partington II, 706–707; Wilson, Mineral Resources, pp. 125, 175

PROVENANCE

Ernest Hug[?] (early inscription to title) — Carl Alexander Bibliothek (library stamp to verso of title) — Joseph A. Freilich (booklabel; Sotheby’s New York, 10 January 2001, lot 240)