Ledermüller, Martin Frobenius | First edition of this rare study of phosphorescent and fibrous stones

Ledermüller, Martin Frobenius

Physikalish mikroskopische Beschreibung eines besondern phosphorescirenden und faserichten Steins; mit Vergleichung der bononiensisch leuchtenden Steine, auch einiger andere demselben ahnlicher Mineralien und Fossilien. Nuremberg: A. L. Wirsing, 1764

4to (260 x 203 mm). Engraved vignette on dedication leaf, woodcut head- and tail-pieces, 6 hand-colored engraved plates; text with slight scattered spotting. Contemporary wrappers; worn, corners with small losses, a few creases and short tears, spine defective. Modern marbled slipcase.

First edition of Ledermüller’s rare and visually striking treatise on phosphorescent minerals, comparing the luminous “Bononian stones” with related phosphorescent and fibrous specimens. Ledermüller, noted microscopist and natural historian, illustrates the structures of these minerals with remarkable clarity, his plates among the earliest colored depictions of phosphorescent geological materials.

REFERENCES

Poggendorf 1403; Schuh 2898

PROVENANCE

Joseph A. Freilich (booklabel; Sotheby’s New York, 10 January 2001, lot 340)