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xi, [1], 358, 17, [9] pp. With 12 engraved plates including the frontispiece. 17x10 cm. (6¾x4"), period tree sheep. leather spine label.

Early American publication of the popular chemistry text by Jane Marcet, first published in London in 1805.  Though Marcet's various works contained few original ideas and presented science and economics in an informal way, her simple introductions to often complex subjects were widely appreciated by adults as well as the children for whom they were intended, and most importantly by women, who were not encouraged to explore the experimental sciences at that time. Shaw & Shoemaker 32008, attributing the work to Marcet, and identifying the place of publication. Ownership signature of John Clemson, Jun., March 30th, 1816, to title-page, that date also written on back of frontispiece; signature of H.C. Kincaid on the front endpaper.