Houghton, Thomas; Rara Avis in Terris: or The Compleat Miner, in two books; the first containing, the liberties, laws, and customs of the lead-mines, within the Wapentake of Wirksworth in Derbyshire...The second Teacheth, the Art of Dialing and Levelling Grooves; a thing Greatly Desired by all Miners; being a subject never Written on before by any....London, Printed for William Cooper, 1681. Small octavo, pp. 4, 105, 8, tables, errata, advertisements.

The volume is complete and in a modern full calf with gilt titles. The binding is in fine condition. The title and first page are in a very good facsimile on period paper. The text is toned and foxed with an archival repair to the lower outer margin of the very last pages. Very early inked notes and figures at some page margins. This work is very rare with few copies known. In good condition.
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The 1st edition of Houghton's very rare work on the lead mines of Derbyshire, the mining laws of England and mine safety. Houghton was a mining engineer and minerals speculator who predicted in the late 1600s that there were rich mineral deposits to be found within the American colonies which would equal or surpass those found in the Spanish possessions of South America.