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A new system for classifying minerals

BERZELIUS, Jöhns Jacob.
Nouveau système de minéralogie.
Paris, Méquignon-Marvis, 1819. 8vo. Modern marbled boards. [4], VI, 314, [1], [1 blank] pp.
€ 300
First edition of the French translation of a classic mineralogical work by the Swedish chemist Jöhns Jacob Berzelius (1779-1848). "The methods of mineral classification existing at the time were based on appearance and physical properties. These seemed highly unsystematic to Berzelius. He concluded from his analytical experience that a logical classification could be based only on chemical composition. In his original system, first published in 1814, he arranged the minerals in terms of their basic constituents, although he later revised this and placed chief emphasis on the acid component" (DSB). The book opens with a dedication to the French mineralogist René Just Haüy and a brief preface. In the main text Berzelius sets out his development of a new system for classifying minerals (according to their chemical structure). The second half of the book sets out these new classes, orders, families and genera. All the minerals are mentioned by their French names followed by their chemical structure.
Some foxing, otherwise in good condition. DSB II, pp. 90-97; Hoover 122; Schuh I 537; Ward 202.
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Science & technology  >  Mineralogy & Gems | Physics & Chemistry