The Handmaid to the Arts: Vol The First [.Second]. Teaching I. A Perfect Knowledge of the Materia Pictoria: or the Nature,Use, Preparation and Composition of all the Various Substances Employed in Painting.colours.gilding. Volume the Second.

2 volumes, 8vo, pp xxvii, [9], 522, [10]: xiv, [14], 462, [10], with separate index in each volume, bound in contemporary tree calf, spines gilt ruled with red labels [one a little chipped], yellow edges, minor rubbing and surface crackling to the spines, but a fine clean set, SECOND EDITION, perhaps the most popular of 18th century artists and craftsmen's recipe books of trade 'secrets' . The work first appeared in 1758, and was considerably enlarged in this second edition. The second volume includes preparation of inks, engraving, glass, pocelain, coloured glazings, and papier mache, plus a supplement which includes marbling of paper.This attractive set in contemporary binding bears the 1797 ownership P Parry.