Karsten, D.L.G. | The rare Tablas Mineralogicas

Karsten, D[ietrich]. L[udwig]. G[ustav].

Tablas Mineralógicas Dispuestas Según los Descubrimientos más Recientes. México: Don Mariano Joseph de Zúñiga and Ontiveros, 1804

Small folio (294 x 200 mm). Inscribed on the title ("El Autor à su Amigo — Don Josias Smith. Mexico 20 de Mayo d 1818. —"), woodcut device to title, woodcut tailpieces; occasional staining and foxing. Contemporary vellum; some staining.

Rare. Translated by Andres del Río from Mineralogische Tabellen (Berlin 1800), the present edition offers additions by Del Río that demonstrate his knowledge of the latest theories in Europe. Given that Karsten died suddenly in 1810 at the age of 42, the inscription on the title-page is likely in the hand of del Río.

Karsten was mining advisor and assessor for the Royal Prussian Mining Works, instructor in mineralogy and mining at the mining institute in Berlin, was instrumental of the founding of the Royal Mineral Cabinet in Berlin, and elected a member of the Academie der Wissenschaften in Berlin.

REFERENCES

Sabin 37108

PROVENANCE

Josias Smith (inscription to title)