Conspectus Chemiae Theoretico-Practicae in Forma Tabularum Repraesentatus, in quibus physica, praesertim subterranea et corporum naturalium principia, habitus inter se, . . . explicantur, [etc.].

Halae Magd. [Magdeburgica],: Impensis Orphanotrophei, 1730-38., 1730. 2 volumes. Small 4to. Collation: Signatures: a4(-A4), b2, A-7C4 *; a4, b2, A-4I4, 4K2. [*Leaf 7A3 mis-signed 6A3]. Pagination: [10], 1086, [42]; [xii], 598, [30] pp. Engraved portrait of Juncker, by Rudiger pinx., and engraved by Bernigeroth Sculps. Title printed in red and black; title engraved vignette, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces. Errata on p. [41]-[42] at end, indexes; foxed, usual browning. Modern antique-style quarter speckled calf, marbled boards, vellum corner tips, spine with gilt-tooled raised bands, dark green morocco gilt-stamped labels. Fine. IMPORTANT EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY PRE-LAVOISIER CHEMISTRY TEXTBOOK. First edition. "One of the most important textbooks of the pre-Lavoisier period, in which Juncker . . . presents a systematic account of the doctrine of phlogiston of his teacher Georg Ernst Stahl. "By effecting a clarification in Stahlian theory and methodology, Juncker played a significant part in the development of his mentor's ideas as a major force for reform in eighteenth century chemistry. His concern with the broader implications of Stahl's work, transcending other, more narrow approaches that focused on phlogiston, prefigured the orientation of important groups of chemists in Germany and France at mid-century" :: DSB. This volume contains a short history of chemistry and describes chemical symbols, instruments, operations, analysis, and metals. Juncker emphasized the importance of accurate experimental data, and, to account for the increase in weight of metals when they are calcined, he suggested that phlogiston had "levity or negative weight" (Harvey). Later, Juncker published a sequel volume (Halle, 1738) covering combustibles, acids, salts, fermentation, and putrefaction." :: Roy G. Neville Historical Chemical Library, I, p. 707. "Juncker, in this excellent textbook, provides a systematic exposition of the ideas of Becher and Stahl. Vol. I contains a short history of chemistry, chemical signs, instruments, operations, analysis and metals. Vol. II treats combustibles, acids, salts, fermentation and putrefaction. The importance of accurate experimental data is emphasized". :: Cole 700. "The book contains one of the best statements and explanations of the phlogiston theory according to Kopp (Chemie, III, 114). In the preface the author speaks of the efforts of Becher and Stahl to simplify current chemical theory and praises their work: he appears to have misunderstood Stahl's ideas on phlogiston and regards it as being definitely material. He made experiments on the calcination of various materials in sealed flasks which proved the necessity of air for combustion but he failed to place the right interpretation on the phenomena he observed. " :: Duveen, p. 313 [mentions no copy of this edition in the Young collection at the Glasgow Institute of Technology]. REFERENCES: Blake, NLM, p. 238; Cole 700; DSB, VII, p. 188; Fritz Ferchl 263; Ferguson I, 444 states dates as 1730-34 [sic]; Duveen p.313 [second ed. 1758-44]; Kopp III, 114; Partington II, p.688; Wellcome III, p.372 [lists 1734 ed.]. FULL TITLE: Conspectus Chemiae Theoretico-Practicae in Forma Tabularum Repraesentatus, in quibus physica, praesertim subterranea et corporum naturalium principia, habitus inter se, proprietates, vires et usus itemque praecipua chemiae pharmaceuticae et mechanicae fundamenta e dogmatibus Becheri et Stahlii . . . explicantur, [etc.].