London, Printed for G.G. and J. Robinson, 1796
Early chemistry textbook. The third edition of William Nicholson's (1753-1815) popular student textbook, offering a fascinating insight into the beginnings of modern science at the turn of the century.
Having previously defended the traditional belief in phlogiston, a theory postulating the existence of a fire-like element inherent to combustible bodies, Nicholson's First Principles of Chemistry takes a more balanced approach, and cites 'several eminent French chemists' such as Lavoisier whose experiments with closed heat systems had led them to reject the outdated theory (p.90). With a folding engraved plate depicting chemical apparatus, and thirteen useful scientific tables.
Third edition; 8vo (21 x 14 cm); armorial bookplate, half-title, folding plate, appendix with thirteen tables, p.xix incorrectly numbered xxi, p. 80 marginal notes in a contemporary hand, p. 389 misnumbered 386; contemporary speckled calf, gilt spine in compartments with contrasting red morocco lettering-piece; xxi [ie.xix], [3], 564, [4]pp. A very good copy.
ESTC T131550.
Having previously defended the traditional belief in phlogiston, a theory postulating the existence of a fire-like element inherent to combustible bodies, Nicholson's First Principles of Chemistry takes a more balanced approach, and cites 'several eminent French chemists' such as Lavoisier whose experiments with closed heat systems had led them to reject the outdated theory (p.90). With a folding engraved plate depicting chemical apparatus, and thirteen useful scientific tables.
Third edition; 8vo (21 x 14 cm); armorial bookplate, half-title, folding plate, appendix with thirteen tables, p.xix incorrectly numbered xxi, p. 80 marginal notes in a contemporary hand, p. 389 misnumbered 386; contemporary speckled calf, gilt spine in compartments with contrasting red morocco lettering-piece; xxi [ie.xix], [3], 564, [4]pp. A very good copy.
ESTC T131550.
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