A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Part I [- Part II; - Part First of Vol. II (all published)].

DALTON, John.

Published by Manchester: Printed by Russell & Allen, for R. Bickerstaff, London [third volume: Printed by the executors of S. Russell, for George Wilson, London], 1808-10-27

About this Item

First editions of the work which introduced atomic theory into chemistry, published over 19 years and consequently scarce complete in three volumes as here. "Dalton's chemical atomic theory was the first to give significance to the relative weight of the ultimate particles of all known compounds, and to provide a quantitative explanation of the phenomena of chemical reaction. Dalton believed that all matter was composed of indestructible and indivisible atoms of various weights, each weight corresponding to one of the chemical elements, and that these atoms remained unchanged during chemical processes. Dalton's work with relative atomic weights prompted him to construct the first periodic table of elements, to formulate laws concerning their combination and to provide schematic representations of various possible combinations of atoms. His equation of the concepts 'atom' and 'chemical element' was of fundamental importance, as it provided the chemist with a new and enormously fruitful model of reality" (Norman). Provenance: from the library of English physicist Edward Andrade (1887-1971), with his bookplate on the front pastedown of Volume I. Andrade, with Ernest Rutherford, first determined the wavelength of a type of gamma radiation, and he published a number of books on the history of science. He built a substantial collection of scientific books, acquiring both issues of the first edition of Newton's Principia, Boyle's Sceptical Chymist and Gilbert's De Magnete. He sold the library in 1956 to fund his pension. The third volume of the set has the earlier bookplate of the British chemist Sir Henry Enfield Roscoe (1833-1915), noted for his early work on vanadian and for photochemical studies. Dibner, Heralds, 44; Norman 575; Printing and the Mind of Man 261. 3 vols, octavo (first 2 vols: 209 x 120 mm; third vol.: 222 x 134 mm). With 8 plates. First 2 vols: contemporary half calf, twin black labels, marbled sides, second vol. rebacked with original spine laid down, first vol. with more minor repairs; third vol.: contemporary cloth, rebacked. Third vol. with two separately printed papers on microcosmic salt and analysing sugar bound at rear. Third volume unopened, with duplicate disposal plate dated 1871 of Owen College, Manchester and with its unobtrusive embossed stamp on some leaves; light wear to tips. Sporadic minor foxing or soiling, contents generally clean, minor damping at head of some leaves in third volume. A very good set.

Seller Inventory # 148877

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Part I [- Part II; - Part First of Vol. II (all published)].
• Publisher: Manchester: Printed by Russell & Allen, for R. Bickerstaff, London [third volume: Printed by the executors of S. Russell, for George Wilson, London], 1808-10-27
• Edition: 1st Edition