Directions for making collections in natural history, prepared for the National Institute for the Promotion of Science.

 

by Henry King. Washington: Gales and Seaton, 1840.

 

This slim pamphlet, prepared for a short-lived organization that preceded the founding of the Smithsonian Institution, is one of a numerous collection of early instructions for collecting specimens of plants and animals.  These publications reflect the growing recognition of the importance of proper preservation techniques and record-keeping for natural-history collections, as private collections evolved into public museums through the 19th century.

 

Condition and treatment: Conservators will remove the publication from the acidic folder, dry-clean the pages and wash them in de-ionized water buffered with calcium carbonate (pH7), re-sew the publication with an acid-free paper wrapper, and make a custom-fitted, four-flap enclosure for it.

by Sir John Pringle. London: Printed for W. Strahan, and T. Cadell, 1783.

 

These six discourses, which were presented “on occasion of six annual assignments of Sir Godfrey Copley’s medal,” discussed a great variety of subjects, including “different kinds of air,” the torpedo, and the preservation of the health of mariners.

 

Condition and treatment: This volume has a full leather binding with decorative gold stamping on the covers and spine. Leather is missing from the front and back cover joints and both are loose. The joints needs to be reinforced, and - after lifting the leather- they need to be covered with toned Japanese paper.

 

Samuel Klingenstierna, praeses. Arvidus Arvidi Roman, respondent.

Upsaliae: Literis Höjerianis, 1737.

 

Graduate dissertation defended by A. A. Roman at the University of Uppsala discussing the effects of gravity upon terrestrial bodies.

 

[together with:]

 

Samuel Klingenstierna, praeses. Gabriel Kolmodin, respondent.

Holmiae: Literis Wernerianis, 1734.

 

[and]

 

Samuel Klingenstierna, praeses. Johann Kristiern Duraeus, respondent.

Upsaliae, Literis Wernerianis, 1732.

 

These three scarce dissertations, all relating to gravity, were presided over by the noted scientist Samuel Klingenstierna.

 

by Eusebius Valli. London: Printed for J. Johnson …, 1793.

 

An early work on electrophysiology and galvanism. Eusebio Valli studied the contraction of the muscles in a series of electrical stimulation experiments, much like his better known contemporaries, Alessandro Volta and Luigi Galvani. In this book the Italian Valli chose to present his observations in the English language.

 

Condition and treatment: The book has a full calf binding. Its detached upper board (the book’s front cover) and endleaves need to be reattached, and its loose lower board needs to be reinforced. The sewing is still intact.

by Pierre-Simon Laplace. Boston: Hillard, Gray, Little, and Wilkins, 1829-1839.

 

Pierre-Simon Laplace was a mathematician who firmly believed the world was entirely deterministic. Like a man with a hammer to whom everything was a nail, to Laplace the universe was nothing but a giant problem in calculus. Laplace's Mécanique céleste (Celestial Mechanics), essentially translated Newton’s geometrical study of mechanics by to one based on calculus.

 

Condition and treatment: All four volumes of this set are in full sheepskin bindings. One volume requires no treatment, but the leather spine-coverings of the three remaining volumes are either loose or detached, and must be repaired. The front cover and the first section of text in volume three are detached and must be fixed.

A Royal Souvenir of the ceremonies and festival architecture erected at Strasbourg for the entry of Louis XV, in Oct. 1744. Engravings  depict the royal procession, structures erected for the celebration, a fireworks display, portraits of notables, feasts, among other events.

Condition and Treatment: Many plates have broken away with their paper guards. Adhesive used to attach plates to guards is yellowing and discoloring plate folds. Overall dirt and discoloration. Disbind. Dry clean and re-sew. Reline spine and recase.

A visual dictionary of everyday objects including geometric shapes, kitchen utensils, clothing, plants, animals, people at work, and house interiors. The colorful drawings greatly appealed to young readers and are typical of Meggendorfer’s work.

Condition and Treatment: Textblock is detached and broken. Loose pages. Disbind, dry clean leaves. Re-sew textblock and re-line spine with Japanese paper. Reattach to case. Create enclosure for safe shelving.

 

by Alessandro Volta. Prag: Bey Calve, 1796.

 

First German edition of Volta’s theory of electricity denying Galvani’s conclusions and affirming his own contact theory. Originally published as Nuova memoria sull'elettricità animale. Lettera terza.