Baumé - Éléments de Pharmacie - 1797

BAUMÉ (Antoine) – Elements of Theoretical and Practical Pharmacy. 2 volumes in 1 volume. Paris, Guillon-d'Assas, An V (1797). Small octavo in contemporary full calf, with folding plates of chemistry and a copy signed by the publisher.

Format Small octavo (approx. 20 x 13 cm) of two volumes bound in a single volume. Complete with its copper-engraved folding plates illustrating laboratory apparatus, alembics, furnaces, and pharmacy instruments. The copy includes the “Avis de l'éditeur” (publisher's notice) aimed at countering counterfeits, authenticated by the original manuscript signature of the publisher Guillon-d'Assas at the bottom of the page. It also bears the old label of the Paris bookseller Cretté.

Full marbled calf of the period, spine with raised bands ornamented with gilt compartments, title and volume labels in red/brown morocco, speckled edges. Very fine overall condition for a scientific laboratory manual. Sturdy binding with minor loss and signs of use; interior clean on laid/wove paper with the folding plates very well preserved. Foxing and occasional light damp stains; small marginal tears.

Baumé's Elements of Pharmacy by Antoine Baumé served as a fundamental manual for several generations of apothecaries and chemists at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th.

This edition dated An V (1797) testifies to the strong demand for scientific works under the Directory. To combat the very active commercial piracy at that time, the publisher Guillon-d'Assas had to certify the publication's authenticity by signing each copy by hand on the introductory notice!