BIBLIOTECA CHEMICA: A Bibliography of Books on Alchemy, Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals. Two Volumes.
London: Derek Verschoyle. 1954. Second Edition. Octavo, original grey cloth, gilt titles on spines, red labels. xxi, 487 + 598 pp. Covers and backstrips lightly rubbed, corners slightly bumped. Contents crisp, clean and unmarked. Quite a nice set, lacking the original plain printed dust jackets. Item #313542
¶ Reprint of the 1906 edition. The catalogue of the collection of James Young, which was acquired by Ferguson and is now in the library of Glasgow University together with Ferguson's own substantial library. The collection was the most extensive ever assembled and covered not merely early chemistry but also alchemical and pharmaceutical books. "As a bibliography, it is an extremely detailed, scholarly piece of work. The items themselves have precise title-page transcriptions and collations. Ferguson carefully noted other works by the same author, other editions and translations of the work fully described, references to the author in many other standard works (eg histories and encyclopaedias) and, unusually for a bibliography, a concise and critical biographical account of the author and appraisal of his work. Ferguson's facts and judgements have in most cases yet to be superseded."
Price (CAD): $195.00