Cours de Chymie – Nicolas Lémery – 1716 | Illustrated Chemistry Experiments

Nicolas Lémery was a 17th-century French chemist known for his chemistry theories on acids, pharmaceutical medicines, and his works medical drugs and chemistry. Perhaps his best and most important book was his Cours de Chymie. More commonly known as ‘Chemistry Lessons,’ this book was the standard text for studies in chemistry. In this book, Lemery provides methods for preparing chemicals, medicines, and various physics experiments. Each method includes an explanation and commentary for proper execution and preparation. He also spends some time discussing astrology and alchemy, such as the influence of the planets on metals and the elusive goal of creating a Philosopher’s Stone.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Cours de chymie : Contenant la manièr de faire les operations qui sont en usage dans la medecine, par une methode facile
• Author(s): Nicolas Lémery
• Publisher: Leyde, Thoedore Haak, Marchand Libraire
• Edition: 11^th Edition. 1716.
• Format: (8vo), single volume
• Binding: Full leather
• Size:  8 in x 5 in (20.3 cm x 12.7 cm)
• Collation: [xiii], 937, [29] pp
• Illustrations: 7 full-page engravings including frontispiece
• Provenance: stamp – Ashley Combe
• Contents Include:
  • Preparation of Medicinal Compounds
  • Astrological Influences on Chemistry
  • Procedures for Chemical Experiments
  • Commentaries on Alchemy and Metals

Condition:

Very Good. Bound in full leather with tight and secure text block. Hinges strong. Minimal rubbing at corners and edges, with faint scrapes to boards. Internally complete with all pages and illustrations present, including frontispiece and six full-page engravings. No restoration or missing leaves observed.

Why Collect This?

• Key early instructional text in Enlightenment chemistry
• Retains all engraved illustrations including frontispiece
• Combines chemical, pharmaceutical, and alchemical thought

Item Number: # 29548