A monumental copy of the definitive 18th-century edition of Lemery’s classic. While the 1675 original was a handbook, this 1756 "Baron Edition" transformed the text into a massive encyclopedic reference.
Published by Jean-Thomas Hérissant in Paris, this edition is crucial because it represents the dialogue between two eras. The original text by Nicolas Lemery (1645–1715) preserves the operational secrets of 17th-century iatrochemistry (and alchemy), while the extensive footnotes and additions by Théodore Baron (1715–1768) attempt to reinterpret these phenomena through the lens of mid-18th-century "Phlogiston" theory.
For the occultist or alchemical collector, this edition is prized for its plates. Unlike the smaller student editions, the Quarto format allowed for large, high-quality folding engravings, including the famous depiction of the Reverberatory Furnace and the Tower of Athanor, rendered here with architectural precision.
The volume also includes two large folding tables of "Explication des Caractères Chymiques" (Explanation of Chemical Characters), which serve as a Rosetta Stone for deciphering alchemical manuscripts, listing the symbols for the metals, acids, and spirits.
Condition: Very Good. The substantial calf binding is solid and attractive, with the gilt spine tooling remaining bright and distinct (often faded in copies of this age). The leather shows expected scuffing to the extremities and corners. The interior is crisp, with the wide margins typical of a "Grande Édition." The folding plates are in excellent condition. A superior copy of the best library edition of Lemery.
Lemery, Nicolas. Cours de Chymie. Contenant la Maniere de Faire les Operations qui sont en usage dans la Medecine. (A Course of Chymistry). Paris: Chez Jean-Thomas Hérissant, 1756. Format: Large Quarto (4to) [approx. 260 x 200 mm]. Collation: (4), XXII, 945 pp. Complete with 7 folding engraved plates of apparatus and 2 folding tables of Chemical Characters. Binding: Contemporary full mottled calf (veau marbré), spine with 5 raised bands, compartments lavishly gilt with floral tooling, and a red morocco title label ("COURS | DE | CHYMIE"). Edition: "Nouvelle Édition," revised, corrected, and greatly augmented by M. Baron (Théodore Baron d'Hénouville).
A monumental copy of the definitive 18th-century edition of Lemery’s classic. While the 1675 original was a handbook, this 1756 "Baron Edition" transformed the text into a massive encyclopedic reference.
Published by Jean-Thomas Hérissant in Paris, this edition is crucial because it represents the dialogue between two eras. The original text by Nicolas Lemery (1645–1715) preserves the operational secrets of 17th-century iatrochemistry (and alchemy), while the extensive footnotes and additions by Théodore Baron (1715–1768) attempt to reinterpret these phenomena through the lens of mid-18th-century "Phlogiston" theory.
For the occultist or alchemical collector, this edition is prized for its plates. Unlike the smaller student editions, the Quarto format allowed for large, high-quality folding engravings, including the famous depiction of the Reverberatory Furnace and the Tower of Athanor, rendered here with architectural precision.
The volume also includes two large folding tables of "Explication des Caractères Chymiques" (Explanation of Chemical Characters), which serve as a Rosetta Stone for deciphering alchemical manuscripts, listing the symbols for the metals, acids, and spirits.
Condition: Very Good. The substantial calf binding is solid and attractive, with the gilt spine tooling remaining bright and distinct (often faded in copies of this age). The leather shows expected scuffing to the extremities and corners. The interior is crisp, with the wide margins typical of a "Grande Édition." The folding plates are in excellent condition. A superior copy of the best library edition of Lemery.
Lemery, Nicolas. Cours de Chymie. Contenant la Maniere de Faire les Operations qui sont en usage dans la Medecine. (A Course of Chymistry). Paris: Chez Jean-Thomas Hérissant, 1756. Format: Large Quarto (4to) [approx. 260 x 200 mm]. Collation: (4), XXII, 945 pp. Complete with 7 folding engraved plates of apparatus and 2 folding tables of Chemical Characters. Binding: Contemporary full mottled calf (veau marbré), spine with 5 raised bands, compartments lavishly gilt with floral tooling, and a red morocco title label ("COURS | DE | CHYMIE"). Edition: "Nouvelle Édition," revised, corrected, and greatly augmented by M. Baron (Théodore Baron d'Hénouville).
Image 1 of 14
Image 2 of 14
Image 3 of 14
Image 4 of 14
Image 5 of 14
Image 6 of 14
Image 7 of 14
Image 8 of 14
Image 9 of 14
Image 10 of 14
Image 11 of 14
Image 12 of 14
Image 13 of 14
Image 14 of 14