Brongniart, Alexandre; Traite Elementaire de Mineralogie. Tome 1-2. Paris 1807. Octavo, vol. 1, pp. xij, 564, Vol. 2, pp. 444, 16 engraved plates on 15 folded leaves. Bound as set in full calf, with panelled gilt design, gilt spine designs, bindings rubbed, corners bumped, light foxing to a few pages, very good.

A noted French geologist and mineralogist; Brongniart (1770-1847) published several works on mineralogy and while director of a porcelain factory he helped develop the science of ceramic chemistry. In 1818 he was appointed to the position of chief engineer of mines for France. Brongniart also worked with Rene Just Hauy in teching mineralogy courses at the Faculte des Sciences and the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle. Brongniart's above "Traite Mineralogie" resulted from a commission by Hauy for a mineralogy text for use in his classes. The work contains a classification system based on physical characterisitics and Hauy's crystallograhic principles. An introduction provides a detailed treatment of mineralogical principles and is followed by a classification system and a thorough descriptive mineralogy. The engraved plates show crystal drawings, crystallographic instruments, lapidary equipment, and mining apparatus.