[Rarebooks] FS: 1621 Agricola DE RE METALLICA: First systematic treatise on mining and metallurgy

[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 270 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. 
Complete but for the two fold-out diagrams lacking. 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

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