Traité élémentaire de minéralogie, avec des applications aux arts [...].

2 vol., 8vo: xii-564, [4]-445-[1] pp.; 15 pl. (some browning and spotting).

Contemp. mottled calf (corners sl. bumped and def.), gilt orn. flat spine (heads def.), red leather title label, marbled endpapers.

First edition of the first work published by the French chemist, mineralogist and zoologist Brongniart (1770-1847). Illustrated with 16 engr. on 15 fold. pl. (pl. IX and X printed on the same leaf) depicting crystals and mining instruments and mechanisms. Intended as a textbook for mineralogical courses given by Brongniart and René Just Haüy at the Faculté des Sciences and the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle. "For this purpose, the author created a simple classification system based primarily on physical properties, but also influenced by Haüy's crystallographic theories. Brongniart insisted that studying how minerals occurred as well as their properties would lead to a better understanding of their origin" (Schuh).
Ref. Poggendorff I:306. - Sinkankas 953. - BnF. - COPAC.
Prov. José Joaquim Barboza (ms. ownership entry on titles).