Boyle, Robert | The Aerial Noctiluca..., London, 1680; [Bound with:] New Experiments and Observations Made upon the Icy Noctiluca. ... London, 1681/2

Boyle, Robert

The Aerial Noctiluca; Or, Some New Phoenomena, and a Process of a Facticious Self-shining Substance. London: Printed by Thomas Snowden, and ... to be sold by Nath. Ranew, 1680; [Bound with:] New Experiments and Observations Made upon the Icy Noctiluca. ... London: Printed by R. E. for B. Tooke, 1681/2

First editions of Boyle's works on phosphorescence and phosphorus.

"Boyle was unique in realizing the continual need for meticulous care in examining purity, testing composition, and searching for chemical differences and similarities. How methodical he could be is amply demonstrated in his two investigations into the nature of phosphorus ... in the course of which he discovered the chief chemical and physical properties of phosphorus and phosphoric acid ... Few other chemists of his day seem to have been sufficiently patient to elaborate an analytical procedure" (DSB).

Together two works in one volume, 8vo (168 x 98 mm). Later engraved frontispiece tipped in facing title of first work, errata leaf at L8 of second work, early marginal annotations; lacking preliminary blank, some staining and minor repair to inner margin of title of first work, light foxing and scattered browning, top margin trimmed close. Modern brown calf, top-stained black, other edges speckled brown.

PROVENANCE

Lord W. Kerr, G.C.B. (booklabel to front pastedown) — Robert S. Dunham (Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 643, part)