ROSNEL, Pierre de (fl. 17th century). Le Mercure Indien ou le trésor des Indes. Paris: Robert Chevillion, 1668.

ROSNEL, Pierre de (fl. 17th century). Le Mercure Indien ou le trésor des Indes. Paris: Robert Chevillion, 1668.

The first edition of a “much esteemed and sought for” manual on metallurgy and gemology (Sinkankis), second issue. With special emphasis on the New World, such as the silver mines at Potosí, Rosnel describes the mining of gold, silver, and mercury. The second part of the book is a commentary on various gems, pearls, and corals, and includes a section devoted to the pricing of gems which "precedes the publication of the standard method of pricing as described by J.E. Tavernier, Les Six voyages, 1767, often cited as the earliest publication of the rule" (Sinkankis). Ferguson 2:295; Sabin 73298; Sinkankis 5569.

Two parts in one volume, octavo (163 x 103mm). Engraved arms of the dedicatee, C.-M. le Tellier, on titles; woodcut initials and ornaments (slightly cropped; very faint marginal dampstain). 19th-century quarter calf over marbled boards (hinges repaired, losses to spine).

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR IN ARGENTINA