A Manual on the Seasoning of Indian Timbers by Kapur, S. N. (Dr. Shanker Nath Kapur, 1895-1972) - 1934

Delhi: Government Manager of Publications, 1934. First edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Rare 1934 treatise featuring 11 monochrome plates and numerous in-text diagrams and illustrations. Small quarto (10 x 7.5 inches), 113pp. Green cloth with gilt-stamped cover and spine, Very Good with slight dent to the middle of the foredge (boards only). Mottling to boards and evidence of some water exposure to the foot of the spine, but discoloration appears minimal. Information on the mechanisms of wood seasoning, with annotated index of each species. A pioneering expert in his field, Kapur studied at University of Gothenberg, Germany and was an Associate Member of he Institution of Chemical Engineers. His research led to the development of wood products and substitutes used in manufacturing (especially rifles and furniture) in both public and private sectors. This manual remains the foundation of the Indian Standard Classification of Indian timbers based on refractoriness to seasoning still in use. With mesmerizing photographs of timber shakes, lumber knots, and well-stacked piles of wood. Scarce outside institutional holdings.