VENDU
3 volumes small folio (320 x 195 mm) 8 nn.ll. (including half-title) 452 pp., 1 nn.l. (table of plates), author’s portrait engraved by Stör after Bernigroth, 28 engraved and numbered plates printed on 26 sheets (plates 16/17; 23/24 respectively on 1 single sheet) including a large folding map for volume I; Cupro et Orchidalco : 7 nn.ll., 534 pp., 89 engraved and numbered plates (number 82 omitted; plate number 59 mistakingly used twice and mentioned by error a second time for page 301 in the index – this second plate 59 does not exist in any of the digitized copies consulted; 4 addtitional plates 1, 2, 38bis & 38 ter) pritned on 72 sheet including 16 folding (plates 1/2; 3/4/5; 12/13; 30/31; 32/33; 36/37; 40/41; 45/46/47; 55/56/57; 58/59; 60/61/62; 63/64/65; 71/72; 79/80 respectively printed on 1 single sheet) for volume II; Ferro : 6 nn.ll., 386 pp., 37 engraved and numbered plates (number 27 omitted) printed on 27 sheets (plates 1/2/3; 4/5; 6/7; 8/9/10; 14/15; 20/21; 36/37/38 respectively on 1 single sheet) including 5 folding. Total of 156 plates printed on 125 sheets (as mentioned in the index), and the engraved portrait. Contemporary marbled calf, triple gilt filet on covers, spine gilt with raised bands, red edges (expertly restored).
1 in stock
Hoover, 773-775 (each part individually); Wheeler Gift, 283 (“this is the author’s famous work on science”); Wheatland, 222; DSB, XIII, 179. Not in Neville or Cole (English translation only).
First edition. The most important scientific works of Swedenborg (1688-1772), the great Swedish scientist, philosopher, and religious leader.
The first volume is entitled Principia Rerum Naturalium and “was probably conceived aas counterpart to Newton’s Principia. He sought to comprehensive physical explanation of the world based on mathematical and mechanical principles” (DSB).
“Volume I contains 250 pages of printed matter with diagrams and illustrations on the causes and mechanisms of magnetic force; the law of distance; magnetic declinatinon, its causes and how its value may be calculated” (Wheeler Gift).
The work also contain a very substantial treatise on the magnet (pp. 123-372). In it, Swedenborg details the result of experiments and sets forth the laws relating to magnetic and electric forces and effects. This preceeded by fourteen years Béraud’s famous treatise on the relationship between magnetism and electricity.
The two other volumes – Regnum Subterraneum sive Minerale, de Cupro et Orchidalco and Regnum Subterraneum sive Minerale de Ferro – form important treatises on metallurgy in all its aspects, concentrating on iron, steel, copper and brass. Swedenborg, who served on the British Board of Mines, describes smelting processes, assaying, and metallurgical experiments. Swedenborg was a highly competent metallurgist, and, among other things, experimented with a new process for refining copper ore.
The work is richly illustrated with an outstanding series of plates depicting mining operations, machinery, furnaces, mills, etc.
Very good, complete copy with 156 plates pulled on 125 sheets, and the author’s portrait. Some occasional toning.
Provenance : Joseph Arnoult, medical doctor (inscription on title and biographical note on the author on the front fly leaf).
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