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FIRST GEM BOOK IN BRITAIN NICOLS, THOMAS. A Lapidary; or, The History of Pretious Stones. With cautions for the undeceiving of all those that deal
FIRST GEM BOOK IN BRITAIN NICOLS, THOMAS. A Lapidary; or, The History of Pretious Stones. With cautions for the undeceiving of all those that deal with Pretious Stones. Folding classification table. [10] (of [12]), 239 pages; lacks the initial blank. 4to, modern calf in period style; contents lightly toned, short tears in table and I2 repaired without text loss. Cambridge: Thomas Buck, 1652
- Notes: first edition. Regarding the text proper, this is the first independent gemological book written or published by a British author. "The importance of this landmark gemology lies in several features among which is the attempt... to provide a scheme of classification... Nicols further considers... the origin of gems... Next he treats physical properties such as transparency, color & causes of color, hardness, and specific gravity, with remarks on the adulteration and falsification of gemstones and the various methods by which they may be enhanced in beauty or brilliance... suggesting a recent experience with gems and the manufacture of jewelry. Much of this information remains pertinent"--Sinkankas 4754. Hoover 610; Wheeler Gift 136 (for references to amber, jet, and lodestone); Wing N1145.
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