Description

The Encyclopedia of Chemistry, Practical and Theoretical: Embracing its Application to the Arts, Metallurgy, Mineralogy, Geology, Medicine, and Pharmacy Publisher and Year: Philadelphia: Henry C. Baird, 1850 Summary: Authored by James Curtis Booth, this comprehensive reference work serves as an extensive guide to both practical and theoretical chemistry, covering its applications across industries such as metallurgy, mineralogy, geology, medicine, and pharmacy. Published in 1850, the first edition is considered a significant contribution to 19th-century chemical literature. The work spans 974 pages, including 9 plates, 97 in-text figures, and is a cornerstone for those studying the intersection of chemistry and industry. This volume remains a valuable resource for historical chemical studies, particularly for its detailed exploration of practical chemical applications. Key Features: First Edition : Published in 1850, this volume is a rare and valuable addition to any collection. Binding : Calf binding with compartmented spine and black morocco spine label. Condition : The binding shows abrasion losses to covers, tips, and edges, with some wear to the hinges. Internally, there is light foxing, but the book remains in very good minus condition overall. Plates : 9 plates, including a detailed collection of chemical apparatus and diagrams. In-text Figures : 97 figures illustrating various chemical processes. Provenance : This volume features the ink signature of J. Cheston Morris , dated July 9th, 1850, on the top of the first endpaper. Dr. John Cheston Morris (1831–1923?) was a prominent physician, the son of Dr. Caspar Morris (1805–1884), a noted Philadelphia doctor and philanthropist. Dr. Caspar Morris was the son of Israel Wistar (1778–1870) and Mary Hollingsworth (1776–1820), a well-regarded family with deep roots in Philadelphia's prominent 17th-century society. Dr. Caspar Morris contributed significantly to the city's medical community and was instrumental in the establishment of institutions like the Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind, the Protestant Episcopal Hospital, and the House of Refuge. Dr. John Cheston Morris followed in his father's footsteps, earning his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1854. He served in various medical roles, including as a contract physician for the Union Army during the Civil War, from October 1862 to August 1863. His career further included work with the Foster Home for Children and the Episcopal Hospital, as well as other charitable institutions. Collection Suitability: This work is a key acquisition for collectors of 19th-century American scientific texts, particularly those focused on chemistry, medicine, and industrial applications. The rich provenance—linked to the Morris family, a prominent medical lineage in Philadelphia—adds significant historical value to this book. Dr. John Cheston Morris's signature and his family’s connection to the city’s philanthropic and medical history enhance the book’s scholarly appeal. This volume is a rare treasure for libraries specializing in early American chemistry and medical history.