Rashleigh, Philip | First edition of Rashleigh’s landmark color-plate mineralogical work

Rashleigh, Philip

Specimens of British Minerals. London: Printed by W. Bulmer and Co., 1797-1802

2 volumes bound in 1, 4to (284 x 229 mm). 54 engraved aquatint plates, mostly hand-colored; occasional toning and spotting. Half calf over marbled boards, spine gilt; lightly scuffed.

First edition of the first major English mineralogical work illustrated with hand-colored plates, documenting the celebrated mineral cabinet of Philip Rashleigh (1743–1811) of Menabilly, Cornwall. The work offers meticulous descriptions of Rashleigh’s specimens, often identifying locality, crystal form, and geological context, providing a foundational record for the early study of British, and especially Cornish, mineralogy. For a presentation copy of this work, see previous lot.

REFERENCES

Schuh 4032; Ward & Carozzi 1833

PROVENANCE

Nanhoron Library (bookplates on pastedowns)