The Chemical History of a Candle: A Course of Lectures Delivered Before a Juvenile Audience at the Royal Institution

The Viking Press Explorer Books edition of Michael Faraday’s celebrated series of six lectures explaining the chemistry and physics of a burning candle. Edited with a preface and notes by William Crookes, with a new introduction by Keith Gordon Irwin and reproductions of the original 35 diagrams. This second printing was issued in September 1960 and comprises 102 pages. Beginning with the candle’s wax, wick, flame, and combustion, Faraday expands the discussion to include capillary action, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water, respiration, and the interdependence of natural processes. First published from lectures delivered at the Royal Institution, the work became a classic of Victorian popular science and remains admired for Faraday’s ability to make complex scientific ideas understandable through an ordinary object. Condition: Good. Illustrated wrappers remain securely attached but show considerable age and handling wear. Covers are toned, rubbed, spotted, and soiled, particularly along the margins and rear panel, with worn and softened corners. Spine is faded and creased, with rubbing, small areas of paper loss or abrasion, and a black “X4” notation near the foot. Page edges are toned. The photographed interior pages remain clean and legible, with mild age-toning and no extensive writing or markings visible. A sound, complete reading copy with an appealing period cover design. This 1960 Explorer Books printing is collectible primarily for its colorful mid-century wrapper design, original printed 95-cent price, and association with one of the most influential scientific lecturers of the nineteenth century. It offers affordable appeal to collectors of Michael Faraday, chemistry, physics, popular science, scientific education, and the history of the Royal Institution. Carefully packed and shipped in a sturdy box. USPS Media Mail available within the United States; expedited and international shipping quoted at cost. Returns accepted in accordance with AbeBooks’ 30-day return policy. SCI 2a.