Kunckel, Johannes, et al. | Pyrotechnical Discourses..., first edition and the only English translation

Kunckel, Johannes, et al

Pyrotechnical Discourses. Being I. An Experimental Confirmation of Chymical Philosophy... [Philosophia chemica experimentis confirmata] Written by John Kunkel... II. A Short Discourse on the Original of Metallick Veins [De ortu venarum metalliferarum], by George Ernest Stahl... III. The Grounds of Pyrotechnical Metallurgy, and Metallick Essaying, by John Christian Fritschius... All faithfully translated from the Latin. London: B. Bragg, 1705

8vo (190 x 113 mm). Errata slip pasted on p.vii; a few gatherings browned and foxed, faint dampstaining to lower margin. Full contemporary paneled calf, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second with gilt morocco lettering piece, others with repeat gilt device, edges speckled red; rubbed with restoration to joints and spine.

First edition, containing the only English translations of three works originally written in German, and then translated into Latin, by Johann Kunckell, Baron von Loewenstern, George Ernest Stahl, and Johann Christian Fritsch. It was reprinted in 1730.

REFERENCES

Duveen 490; Partington II:364; 653-686 (Stahl)

PROVENANCE

"Ex dono amici F.M." (inscription on title-page) — Earls of Macclesfield (armorial bookplate to front pastedown; Sotheby’s London, 25 October 2005, “The Library of the Earls of Macclesfield removed from Shirburn Castle, Part Six: Science P–Z plus Addenda,” lot 1702)