De re metallica

AGRICOLA, Georgius (1494-1555). De re metallica. Basel: Froben, 1561.

Second edition of "the first systematic treatise on mining and metallurgy and one of the first technological books of modern times" (PMM). Agricola was a physician in the mining town of Joachimsthal—so famous for its silver that it gave its name to the German Thaler (and thence the American Dollar). This work contains his close observations over a lifetime of every aspect of the mining industry, from administration and transport to furnaces, hydraulic power, and mineralogy. It is illustrated by over 200 elaborate woodcuts by Hans Deutsch. Adams A-350; Dibner 88; Hoover 18; PMM 79 (1556 edition).

Folio (322 x 212mm). Woodcut printer's devices on title and final page, over 270 woodcut illustrations of metallurgical processes, 2 of which inserted, woodcut initials (short closed tear to one page just touching type, a few leaves with old stains, a little dustsoiled at end). 18th-century calf gilt (surface a little abraded, joints a little worn). Provenance: a few marginal comments, erased contemporary ex-libris on title – Sir Frederick Evelyn, Baronet (1734-1812, armorial bookplate, by descent to:) – John Evelyn (c. 1758-1833, book label "JE").