The first principles of chemistry.
London: G.G. & J. Robinson, 1792. 8vo. xxxi, [i], 546, [4] pp. SECOND EDITION. With folding engraved plate of apparatus and appendix of tables and index. Contemporary half-calf and marbled boards; waterstain to pp. 335-368, minor foxing. Item #14387
Second edition, with improvements. Nicholson states that new discoveries have been inserted, “and no exertions have been spared to render it worthy of the distinguished approbation it has met with.” According to Neville, a new table has been added listing seven alkalies and earths versus five acids, while the other twelve tables are unchanged from the first edition.
This “excellent introductory textbook explains the phlogistic and antiphlogistic theories and represents a transition from the theory as enunciated by Stahl to that of Lavoisier and his circle” (Neville). According to the preface, Nicholson did not completely accept either theory and believed “the antiphlogistic hypothesis equally probable with the modified system of Stahl,” and thus explains both in the book. The first part, general chemistry, includes heat, combustion, experiments with gases, an account of balances and elective attractions, while the second part includes general principles of bodies, acids, metals, mineral combustibles, vegetable and animal products. “The useful treatment of thermometers and balances is not found in many texts” (Cole).
Nicholson (1753-1815) was the translator of Fourcroy and Chaptal, and editor of the first general scientific periodical in England published independently of the academies.
Price: $550.00