The First Principles of Chemistry

Engraved plate serving as the frontis. xxxi, 546, [4] pp. 8vo, fine cont. calf, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. London: G.G.J. & J. Robinson, 1792. "Second edition, with Improvements" (1st ed.: 1790); this is a wonderfully fresh copy in fine contemporary condition. Nicholson (1753-1815), translator of Fourcroy and Chaptal, and editor of the first general scientific periodical in England published independently of the academics, was one of the important British figures in the new chemical movement. "The author produced a text in which he 'attempted to keep clear of every system' with regard to nomenclature and theory. Since he believed the 'antiphlogistic hypothesis equally probable with the modified system of Stahl' he explains both...The text is divided into two Books, I. General Chemistry includes heat, construction of thermometers, combustion, methods of making experiments with gases, an account of balances and elective attractions; II. includes general principles of bodies, acids, metals, mineral combustibles, vegetable and animal products. The useful treatment in I. of thermometers and balances is not found in many texts."­Cole, p. 402­(describing the 1st ed.). Very fine copy. 18th century engraved armorial bookplate of "Sr Rd Bempde Johnstone, Bart." Cole 977­"In the second edition the author has revised the work to some extent and inserted new discoveries." Partington, IV, p. 19-20.