HENRY, Thomas.

Experiments and Observations on the Following Subjects; 1. On the preparation, calcination, and medicinal uses of magnesia alba. 2. On the solvent qualities of calcined magnesia. 3. On the variety in the solvent powers of quick-lime, when used in different quantities. 4. On various absorbents, as promoting or retarding putrefaction. 5. On the comparative antiseptic powers of vegetable infusions prepared with lime, &c. 6. On the sweetening properties of fixed air.

London: Printed for Joseph Johnson… .1773

8vo, pp. xv, (i), 142, (2) advertisements. A corrected errata slip is pasted over the errata on the last preliminary page (as in the Duveen copy). Some light foxing (but heavier on the last few leaves). Modern quarter calf, marbled sides, vellum tips.

FIRST EDITION. Henry’s process of preparing calcined magnesia was the subject of a patent he took out, which became a lucrative property. “Henry’s magnesia” was for a long time a favourite domestic remedy and a source of income for the family for more than a century. In the previous year Henry published an improved process for preparing magnesia, which is reprinted in the present work. There are references to Priestley and an analysis of the work of Black. “The book is an important eighteenth-century landmark in the chemistry of carbon dioxide, magnesium, and calcium compounds” (Neville). Cole 620. Duveen p. 289 (with incorrect collation). Neville I, p. 620. Partington III, pp. 690–691. Waring, Bibliotheca Therapeutica, p. 552. This was Henry’s principal publication.

£550.00

In stock

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