London, Printed for T. Evans, and sold by J. Evans, 1782; 1782; 1783; 1786; 1787.
His 'Chemical Essays', published in five volumes from 1781-7, represent a lucid distillation of the subject by an intelligent layman, but with little original research. They do reveal, however, Watson's particular interest in applying science to manufacturing processes in an effort to realise Britain's industrial potential. Largely a self-made man, Watson believed in learning by doing, saying "a man must blacken his own hands with charcoal, he must sweat over the furnace, and inhale many a noxious vapour, before he can become a chemist."
Second edition, 5 vols, 8vo (16.5 x 10 cm), pp. 349, 368, 375, 354, 375; contemporary calf, flat spines in six compartments, red morocco lettering piece to second, black morocco numbering roundel to fourth, gilt ruled, citron edges; slightly scuffed; overall a very good set.
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