Beschreibung:

Title: A Lapidary, or, The History of Pretious Stones: With cautions for the undeceiving of all those that deal with Pretious Stones. Author: Nicols, Thomas. Place: Cambridge Publisher: Thomas Buck Date: 1652 Description: [x], [10], 237 pp. With folding table preceding p.1. (4to) 7¼x5½, old calf with later rebacking, endpapers replaced. First Edition. First edition of the first independent gemological book written or published by a British author. "The importance of this landmark gemology lies in several features, among which is the attempt of the author to provide a scheme of classification... A striking feature of the book, perhaps gained from personal experience, is his familiarity with the methods of enhancement of gems in their jewelry settings, also falsifications and adulterations, all of his statements regarding these areas being fresh and authoritative and suggesting a recent experience with gems and the manufacture of jewelry. Much of this information remains pertinent." Sinkankas 4754; Wing N1145. Lot Amendments Condition: Covers spotted, edges rubbed, hinges cracked, rubberstamp on endpapers and verso of folding chart; front and rear blanks with earlier ink scribbling; approx. half of the front blank lacking; light browning to pages edges; else very good. Item number: 184812