[Rarebooks] FS: Agricola's DE RE METALLICA, 1621, with 273 woodcuts: PMM 79: "The first systematic treatise on mining and metallurgy and one of the first technological books of modern times"

[Charles Agvent]

AGRICOLA, Georgius. DE RE METALLICA. LIBRI XII. QUIBUS OFFICIA, 
INSTRUMENTA, MACHINAE, AC OMNIA DENIQUE AD METALLICAM SPECTANTIA... 
Basil: Ludovici Regis, 1621. Third Latin Edition. Folio (8" x 12-1/2") 
bound in library buckram; irregularly paginated: [10], 502, [58] pages. 
Illustrated with 273 woodcuts, many full and half page, some signed with 
the monogram "RMD," and generally attributed to Hans Rudolf Manuel 
Deutsch (fl.1525-1572) or, less commonly, Blasius Weffring. Previously 
published in 1556 and 1561, this edition seems scarcer than either of 
the previous. PRINTING & THE MIND OF MAN 79: "The first systematic 
treatise on mining and metallurgy and one of the first technological 
books of modern times." Herbert Hoover, who first translated this book 
into English, described this title in his autobiography as "the first 
important attempt to assemble systematically in print the 
world-knowledge on mining, metallurgy, and industrial chemistry. It was 
the great textbook of those industries for two centuries and had 
dominated thought and practice all that time. In many mining regions and 
camps, including the Spanish South America, it was chained to the church 
altar and translated by the priest to the miners between religious 
services." The book combines a profound technical and financial 
knowledge of mining with an underlying interest in the health and daily 
routine of mine workers. The woodcut impressions are strong and dark. As 
customary with this title, there is browning throughout, occasionally 
heavy. Small piece of title page repaired with no loss of text or 
illustration; ink names of David Stuart dated 1771 and Joseph Robertson 
dated 1830 on title page. Library bookplate on front pastedown and small 
ink number on the title page illustration; no other library markings 
except for numbers on the spine. An important and richly illustrated 
title. Very Good in a serviceable binding. (#014924)        $8,500.00

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