A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Manchester: S. Russell for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 1], 1808; Russell and Allen for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 2], 1810; the executors of S. Russell for George Wilson [Vol. II], 1827.

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DALTON, John (1766-1844)

A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Manchester: S. Russell for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 1], 1808; Russell and Allen for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 2], 1810; the executors of S. Russell for George Wilson [Vol. II], 1827.

Price realised GBP 15,000

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DALTON, John (1766-1844)
A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Manchester: S. Russell for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 1], 1808; Russell and Allen for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 2], 1810; the executors of S. Russell for George Wilson [Vol. II], 1827.
First edition of Dalton’s classic work on the atomic theory of matter, very rare when complete with all three parts in the original boards. ‘Dalton reconstructed Newton's speculations on the structure of matter, and, applying them in a new form to chemistry, gave Lavoisier's reformation of that science a deeper significance’ (PMM). Dalton maintained that all matter was composed of indestructible and indivisible atoms of various weights, each weight corresponding to one of the chemical elements. These atoms remained unchanged during chemical processes, and their particular weight determined their identity. His New System presented the first chemical atomic theory giving significance to the relative weights of the ultimate particles of all known compounds. It also provided a quantitative explanation of the phenomena of chemical reaction. ‘He developed a system of chemical symbols and a table [plate 4 in part 1] showing the relative weights of the atoms of a list of elements. From his principles he deduced the law of definite proportions and the law of multiple proportions’ (Dibner). Dibner Heralds of Science 44; Duveen, p. 156; Grolier/Horblit 22; Partington III, pp. 799-813; PMM 261; Norman 575.

2 volumes in 3, octavo (225 x 135mm). 8 engraved plates (some light staining in upper margin of vol. II). Original publisher’s boards with printed paper spine labels, uncut and partially unopened, both parts of vol. I with ‘Dalton’ in ink on spines (spine of third volume with some restoration, boards and spine strip darker than the first two volumes, light wear at extremities). Provenance: Peter Rothwell Esq., Sunning Hill, Lancashire. (1792-1849, locomotive engineer and inventor of the variable blast pipe; signature dated 1816 in both parts of vol. I, bookplate in vol. I, part 1) – Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (stamps in vol. II).

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