Lot 39
  • 39

Barchusen, Johann Conrad

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Barchusen, Johann Conrad
  • Elementa chemiae, quibus subjuncta est confectura lapidis philosophici imaginibus repraesentata. Leiden: Theodore Haak, 1718
  • Paper
4to (200 x 153mm.), title printed in red and black, engraved device on title-page, engraved headpiece on dedication, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, 25 engraved plates (1 folding, 1 printed blank), contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt in compartments, rebacked retaining original spine

Provenance

Malsherbes, early inscription opposite title-page

Literature

Caillet 716; Duveen p.43; Ferguson i, 71

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This is a reissue of Barchusen's Pyrosophia of 1698, "a formal, systematic textbook that deals with the principles of chemistry, both theoretical and practical, and then attempts to demonstrate their applications to natural philosophy, medicine, metallurgy, and alchemy" (DSB I, p.451).

The folding plate depicts the chemistry laboratory at the University of Utrecht where Barchusen was professor, and another four of the plates show chemical apparatus. The rest contain 78 symbols representing alchemical processes.