Autograph manuscript notebook of field experiments, 1890-91, 1891-92, and 1892-93. 130 leaves

Raulin, Jules (1836-96). Champ d'expériences. Manuscript notebook. [130]pp., with diagrams and charts. N.p., 1890-93. 214 x 172 mm. Original embossed boards, cloth backstrip, some wear at spine and edges, a few leaves loose. Minor fraying at edges but very good.

Scientific notebook written by plant physiologist Jules Raulin, who studied under Pasteur at the École Normale Supérieur and served as Pasteur's first laboratory assistant at the school. Raulin collaborated with Pasteur on the latter's investigations of fermentation, oxidation and silkworm disease; he also pursued his own research on the chemical role of minerals in plant nutrition, which led to important advances in agriculture. In 1876 Raulin was appointed professor of chemistry at the Faculté des Sciences in Lyon, and in 1883 he founded the École de Chimie Industrielle (School of Industrial Chemistry), where he spent most of his research time on agronomy and silk production. He was the first to identify the role of zinc in plant nutrition, and his experimental studies of the mold species Aspergillus niger led to the development of the nutritive medium known as Raulin's fluid.

The present notebook contains extensive notes and diagrams detailing Raulin's agricultural researches in the early 1890s, including information on soil chemistry, fertilizers, pest control, etc. At the end of the notebook are several pages devoted to silkworm culture. Dictionary of Scientific Biography.