[Rarebooks] fs: 1st Gemstone Book Published in U.S.

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

THE FIRST BOOK ON GEMSTONES PUBLISHED IN AMERICA-
-------------------------------------------------

A TREATISE ON GEMS, in reference to their
Practical and Scientific Value; a useful guide
for the jeweller, amateur artist, lapidary,
mineralogist, and chemist.  Accompanied by a
description of the most interesting American
gems, and ornamental and architectural materials.

By Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger.
New York; printed by A. Hanford: 1838.  First edition.

The first edition of the first monograph on gemstones
to be published in the United States, this work
continued as the standard reference, in various
editions, until George Kunz' works in the 1890s.

Sinkankas notes- "The text begins with general gemology:
properties, geographical distribution, enhancement of
color, gem setting, cleaning of gems, imitations,
commerce, and gems used in optical applications.
The second part considers individual gemstones and
ornamental materials... Feuchtwanger took special
care to record as much information as he could on
native gemstones and the localities that furnished
them... Another 'first' of the present work is the
extended description of pearls, artificial pearls,
and corals".

All early editions of this work have become difficult
to find, and Sinkankas notes this as "very rare".

This copy retains its original blindstamped cloth
binding.  Hardcover.  6"x9", 162 pages, several line
illustrations of gem cuts; original patterned cloth
boards, blindstamped with an interesting design of
scrolls and boxes; spine cloth split along the outer
hinge for 3.5"; spine head lightly chipped; contents
with very minor scattered foxing.  $1250.00

Pictures- <http://www.joslinhall.com/images/th-01952-images.jpg>



JOSLIN HALL RARE BOOKS, ABAA
Fine books of the 16th-20th centuries
on the decorative and fine arts & design

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telephone (617) 492-5367

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