HALES, Rev. Stephen.

Philosophical Experiments: containing useful, and necessary instructions for such as undertake long voyages at sea. Shewing how sea-water may be made fresh and wholesome: and how fresh-water may be preserv’d sweet. How biscuit, corn, &c. may be secured from the weevel, meggots, and other insects. And flesh preserv’d in hot climates, by salting animals whole. To which is added, an account of several experiments and observations on Chalybeate or steel-waters… Likewise a proposal for cleansing away mud, &c. out of rivers, harbours, and reservoirs. Which were read before the Royal-Society, at several of their meetings.

London: Printed for W. Innys and R. Manby…and T. Woodward…1739

8vo, 2 leaves, pp. xxx, 1 leaf (errata), pp. 163, 3 leaves (index), 1 engraved plate. Half-title. In this copy the final advertisement leaf M6 has been cancelled and replaced with Innys & Manby’s 16-page catalogue dated 1738. Contemporary panelled calf, spine gilt in compartments (compartment below the label with a defunct volume number), brown morocco label. Upper joint rubbed but a fine copy.

FIRST EDITION. The experiments that Hales describes in this book are principally concerned with the health and welfare of sailors, and how the food and water on a ship, which on a long voyage were notoriously bad, may be preserved in an edible state. Hales also published a proposal for improving the ventilation on board ships. Neville I, p. 576.

£850.00

In stock

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