Pettus, John, Sir | The first dictionary in English of mining terms

Pettus, John, Sir

Fodinae Regales. Or the History, Laws and Places of the Chief Mines and Mineral Works in England, Wales, and the English Pale in Ireland. As also of the Mint and Mony. With a Clavis Explaining some difficult Words relating to Mines, &c., London: by H. L. and R. B. for Thomas Basset, 1670

Small folio (295 x 187 mm). Engraved portrait frontispiece of the author by W. Sherwin, 2 engraved plates and 2 engraved coats-of-arms in-text, woodcut headpieces and initials; marginal worming, some staining and browning. Contemporary brown calf; recased.

First edition. The seminal 17th century English work on mining by Sir John Pettus, the deputy governor of the Royal Mines. The work including the first dictionary in English of mining terms, as well as technical information on mining, metallurgy and coinage.

REFERENCES

Duveen 468; Kress 1270; Wing P-1908