Méthode de nomenclature chimique, proposée par MM. de Morveau, Lavoisier, Bertholet, et de Fourcroy. On y a joint un nouveau systême de caractères chimiques, adaptés à cette nomenclature, par MM. Hassenfratz & Adet
Paris: Chez Cuchet, 1787. 8vo. [iv], 314 pp. FIRST EDITION. With half-title, 6 large folding copperplates, and 1 large folding table, title vignette, woodcut headpiece above first text leaf, pages 257-272 misnumbered. Contemporary tree calf, spine label, very small crack at top of spine and rear cover, otherwise an excellent copy printed partially on blue paper from the library of Melchet Court Romsey and a small book label with the heraldic motto “virus in arduis” on the paste-down. Item #18453
First edition of one of the most important works in the history of modern chemistry. Lavoisier’s discoveries brought about a critical need to develop a new chemical nomenclature. Its importance was first recognized by Guyton de Morveau, an adherent of the phlogiston theory. De Morveau was invited to join a group of the leading anti-phlogistonists to discuss the possibility of applying his nomenclature to Lavoisier’s chemistry, and in the process, was converted to Lavoisier’s doctrines. The result of this collaboration of Bertholet, Fourcroy, de Morveau, Lavoisier, and others, is contained in this volume, and marks the foundation of modern chemical nomenclature.
Cole, Chemical Literature 1700-1860, 566C (under Guyton de Morveau); Duveen, 126; Duveen & Klickstein, p. 127; Norman, 1291; see Printing & the Mind of Man, 238; Sparrow, Milestones of Science, 125.
Price: $3,200.00