Boyle, Robert

4to (7 5/8 x 6 in.; 194 x 152 mm). Title within double-ruled border, 4 text illustrations and diagrams, printed tables O4r–S2v,  publisher's advertisements on 2K2v; some browning and staining, particularly in latter half of text, a few quires unopened. Modern calf by V.R. Stoakley, Cambridge, black lettering piece.

Charles M. Hutt (label on front pastedown)

Wing B3981; ESTC R11260; Fulton 194

First edition. "Boyle's scientific life began and ended with studies of the air, and his last work on the subject, published posthumously, is of special interest in that it sums up his ultimate conclusions . . . a most remarkable passage on the 'Structure' of the air . . . amounts virtually to a statement of the modern kinetic theory of gases . . . The later parts of the book are taken up with discussions of clouds, mist, wind, and an important series of barometric observations based on 'A Register kept by Mr (John) Locke, in Oxford' (from June 1666 to June 1683)" (Fulton).