Werner, Abraham Gottlob | First edition of the author's first book

Werner, Abraham Gottlob

Von den äusserlichen Kennzeichen der Fossilien. Leipzig: S.L. Crusius, 1774

8vo (176 x 103 mm). 8 folding printed tables, ornamental head and tailpieces; foxing throughout, a few small stains, one of which affecting table 5. Contemporary half sheep and speckled boards, spine in six compartments, second with printed leather lettering piece, sixth with manuscript paper label, edges speckled red; light wear to extremities.

First edition of the author’s first book.

While a student at the Freiberg Bergakademie, Werner developed a brand new system for the description and identification of minerals based on their chemical composition and, crucially, their external characteristics. Now known as the “father of historical geology,” Werner’s landmark work promoting descriptive mineralogy was “revolutionary” in the field (Schuh).

REFERENCES

Schuh 4491

PROVENANCE

H.W. von Bocholtz, likely Hermann Werner Graf von Bocholtz-Asseburg, Imperial and Royal Chamberlain and Canon in Münster (contemporary stamp to verso of title)