First Edition of Boyle's Work that "Best Illustrates the Versatility of his Mind."
Tracts Consisting of Observations About the Saltness of the Sea:. An account of a statical hygroscope and its uses: together with an appendix about the force of the air's moisture: a fragment about the natural and preternatural state of bodies... To all which is premis'd a sceptical dialogue about the positive or privative nature of cold: with some experiments of Mr. Boyl's referr'd to in that discourse. By a member of the Royal Society.
London: Printed by E. Flesher for R. Davis, 1674.
Full Description:
BOYLE, Robert. Tracts Consisting of Observations About the Saltness of the Sea: An account of a statical hygroscope and its uses: together with an appendix about the force of the air's moisture: a fragment about the natural and preternatural state of bodies... To all which is premis'd a sceptical dialogue about the positive or privative nature of cold: with some experiments of Mr. Boyl's referr'd to in that discourse. By a member of the Royal Society. London: Printed by E. Flesher for R. Davis, 1674 [i.e.1673].
First edition. Nine parts in one octavo volume (6 5/8 x 4 1/4 inches; 169 x 109 mm). [8], 52, [1, blank]; [2], 6; [2], 5, [1, blank]; [2], 11, [1, blank]; [2], 39. [1, blank]; [2]. 5, [1, blank]; [2], 11, [1, blank]; [2], 27. [1, blank]; [2], 14 pp. Bound without intial blank. Book comprises numerous sections: "Of the positive or privative nature of cold" (caption title), "Two problems about cold", "An attempt to manifest and measure the great expansive force of freezing water", "A new experiment about the production of cold by the conflict of bodies, appearing to make an ebullition", "Observations and experiments about the saltness of the sea", "The fourth section belonging to the tract formerly publish'd under the title, relations about the bottom of the sea", and "A paradox of the natural and preternatural state of bodies, especially of the air", all but the first with separate divisional title page, each have separate pagination; register is continuous. "A statical hygroscope" and "A new experiment and other instances of the efficacy of the air's moisture" each have a separate pagination and title page with imprint dated 1673, the collation is continuous.
"After many delays, apologized for by the publisher, it was issued in Nov. 1673" (ESTC R17503).
Full contemporary speckled calf, rebacked to style. Boards stamped in blind. Red morocco spine label, lettered in gilt. Inner hinges with some repairs. Title-page with a tear to outer margin, not touching text. Some general toning and dampstaining throughout. Previous owner's old ink notes to rear endpapers. Still overall very good.
"Of all of Boyle's works this one best illustrates the versatility of his mind." (Fulton 113).
"Boyle was much interested in the problem of rendering sea-water fit for consumption and much of the present tract is taken up with an account of experiments designed to make this operation feasible for sailors." (Fulton 113).
Fulton 113. ESTC R17503.
HBS 69461.
$4,500.
Price: $4,500.00
Item #69461