Brongniart, Alexandre; Traite Elementaire de Mineralogie. Tome 1-2. Paris 1807. Octavo, vol. 1, pp. xij, 564, Vol. 2, pp. 444, 16 engraved plates on 15 folded leaves.
Bound in two volumes in full speckled calf with paneled gilt, gilt star corner pieces, marbled end papers, spine titles perished, embossed gilt vignette on covers, owners book plate on paste downs. Bindings are tight. Text and plates are clean with toning at margins of some pages and plates, light foxing. In very good condition.
A noted French geologist and mineralogist; Brongniart (1770-1847) published several works on mineralogy and while director of a porcelain factory he helped develop the science of ceramic chemistry. In 1818 he was appointed to the position of chief engineer of mines for France. Brongniart also worked with Rene Just Hauy in teching mineralogy courses at the Faculte des Sciences and the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle. Brongniart's above "Traite Mineralogie" resulted from a commission by Hauy for a mineralogy text for use in his classes. The work contains a classification system based on physical characteristics and Hauy's principles of crystallography. An introduction provides a detailed treatment of mineralogical principles and is followed by a classification system and a thorough descriptive mineralogy. The engraved plates show crystal drawings, crystallographic instruments, lapidary equipment, and mining apparatus.
