Almedigen, Harrsch — Ferdinand Ludwig | First edition of a little-known work on meteorology

Almedigen, Harrsch — Ferdinand Ludwig

Pyrotechnia sublimis saeculi primaevi, vel Liber meteorum. Vienna: Johann Thomas Edler von Trattner, 1778

4to (242 x 198 mm). Engraved vignette on title, 3 folding plates after Harrsch by Engelmann, typographical head and tailpieces and initials, instances of contemporary marginalia; a few stray stains, dampstaining to bottom of a few leaves, repair to first plate. Nineteenth-century marbled paper boards, manuscript label to spine; spine scuffed, general wear to covers, lower endleaf trimmed.

First edition.

A little-known work on the origin of metals, minerals, and gems, including meteorites, with a discussion of meteorological phenomena, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

PROVENANCE

Stadtbucherei Erfurt (library stamp to upper pastedown and title verso) — Joseph A. Freilich (booklabel to upper pastedown; Sotheby’s New York, 10 January 2001, lot 225)