Hoffmann

1811 · ref. 23068 — Freiberg: Craz und Gerlach 1811-1818. First Edition. Contemporary three-quarter leather. Very good; front joint of vol.1 & 4 part one and rear joint of the second section of vol. 1 & vol. 4 part two are beginning to split; small gouge to the backstrip of the seventh volume. 8vo. Volumes 2 3 and 4 were published in 2 parts each; volume 1 is here bound as two volumes this was a convenience introduced by the binder because of the length of the second section of text in the first volume. This is not designated on the title page of the first volume later volumes are clearly printed with a part number subordinate to the volume number. The binder in this instance inserted the fly-title before the text of the second section that constitutes this additional volume. The following Roman numerals designate the volume numbers in conformity with the printed title pages. I - xxiv 1 - 349 1 - blank 2 - fly-title 353 - 685 1 - errata 2 - adverts pp. folding table; II1 - 4 1 - 382 pp.; II2 - x 1 - 322 2 - adverts pp.; III1 - iv 1 - 339 1 - errata pp.; III2 - 2 3 - 311 1 - blank pp.; IV1 - 2. 3 - 288 pp.; IV2 - x 2 3 - 208 xiv 1 - 58 209 - 245 index 1 - errata pp. There are also two sheets of detailed contemporary notes that are bound in. One dealing with gold and another with a peculiar mineral formation found formed as a nodule accompanied by a hand drawn illustration in the Italian Alps. There is also a 13 line note on the verso of the front free endpaper of volume one that faces the title page and runs on to it below the imprint. The note discusses the "bequem" format of the 8 volume binding of the book; it is signed: E. v. Uechtritz. Inspector of precious stones Hoffmann studied at the Freiberg Bergakademie under A.G. Werner ". the great oracle of the sciences of the earth" Hoover catalog quoting Cuvier. "Very scarce" Schuh. This work is one of the greatest encyclopedias of Werner's mineral theories ever published. It was the only authorized publication of Werner's mineral system. It was begun by Hoffmann who died after the first two volumes were published and continued by August Breithaupt who completed the third and fourth volumes. In this monumental treatise the Wernerian doctrine of mineralogy is propounded in its most detailed presentation. The authors accept all of Werner's theories concerning mineral formation and classification and include numerous illustrative examples. The text is generous in its treatment of the subject sometimes devoting long detailed sections to minute points. Werner did not publish much on his theories but his students and followers insured that his ideas would reach a larger audience by their own works following his guidelines. The first volume provides a short history of mineralogy definitions descriptions of physical properties including color optics streak hardness specific weight transparency luster and crystal form chemical characteristics the use of the blow-pipe nomenclature and a synopsis of the classification system. Later volumes contain essentially a descriptive mineralogy; all that was known was included in the descriptions. See Schuh; Freilich sale catalog #251; see Dibner Heralds . #91 for Werner; see Hoover #878 for Werner; Ward & Carozzi #1094; see DSB II p. 440. Craz und Gerlach hardcover books