Kirwan Richard. - Elémens de Mineralogie. Prima Edizione. - 1785

Kirwan, Richard. Elements of Mineralogy. Paris, Cuchet, 1785. First edition. Original French edition of the famous scientific treatise by the Irish scientist and geologist. The work represents the first systematic mineralogical treatise classifying minerals according to their chemical composition rather than only external characteristics, helping to elevate the study of minerals to the rank of science. Full calf leather binding of the period. Gold-tooled title on the spine. Spine with raised cords entirely decorated with gold tooling. Engraved vignette on the title page. Dimensions 20 x 12 cm, pages 4 preliminary, XLVIII, 432. Excellent condition.