Chemistry, theoretical, practical and analytical as applied and relating to the arts & manufacturing.

London:: William Mackenzie, [1853-61]., 1853. 2 volumes. 4to. [4], 836, 9, [1] ; [4], 1186, 10 pp. VOL. I: Engraved half-title with engr. vignette, engraved frontispiece portrait of Professor Muspratt, 14 large engraved portrait plates, 453 figures, index; occasional prominent foxing. VOL. II: Engraved half-title with engr. vignette, engraved frontispiece portrait of Humphry Davy, 15 large engraved portrait plates, 655 figures, index; occasional prominent foxing. [31 large plates in total]. Printed in double columns. Original half maroon calf, watered-silk purple cloth, raised bands, gilt-stamping on spines, black title labels, blind-rules on covers, turquoise endsheets; rubbed. Very good – a handsome & complete set. [315] Based on checking collations of other copies, it is clear to me that the number and choice of plates can be different in count and personages. Some copies have the author shown twice as the engraved frontispiece; in the present copy there are 2 frontispieces: Professor Muspratt, and Sir Humphry Davy. Some copies have 29 or 30 other engraved portrait plates. Of the several comparable copies mentioned in Cole, one is recorded as having 28 plates. Cole describes his copy as having 30 plates in one volume and one in the other, for a total of 31. In the copy present there are 29 large, engraved plates, with the addition of the 2 half-titles and 2 frontispieces. / This comprehensive encyclopedic-dictionary includes articles on acetic acid, alcohol, arsenic, beer, bleaching, bread, caoutchouc, dyeing and calico-printing, ether, glass, gunpowder, gutta-percha, leather, mercury, opium, paper, perfumery, photography, silver, soap, wine, and other substances. / The 29 engraved plates include portraits of Sir Humphrey Davy, Gay-Lussac, Andrew Ure, Lavoisier, John Dalton, William Gregory, Jean-Baptiste Andre Dumas, Liebig, Chevreul, Joseph Priestley, Chaptal, Faraday, and other distinguished scientists. / Neville's copy has a dated preface (1860). This copy does not have a date, not on the title and not on the preface either. Of the work, never shy about the importance of his books, Neville states: "The present work is really a masterpiece, as it provides an essentially complete picture of the state of chemistry and chemical technology in the middle of the nineteenth century." / "A compilation of the latest and most improved processes used in chemical manufactures. Information was drawn from scientists and manufacturing chemists. Processes are described in minute details so as to render them useful and practical. Vol. II has a few supplementary notes by E.N. Horsford (1818-1893)." – Cole. REFERENCES: Cole 966; Neville II, p. 205; Partington IV, p. 437. EXTRA POSTAGE WILL APPLY.