First edition of the French translation of a well-known mineralogical work by the Irish chemist, mineralogist and geologist Richard Kirwan (1733-1812). The original English was first published as Elements of mineralogy in 1784, and was "the first systematic mineralogy in English that classifies minerals by their chemical composition" (Schuh). The book opens with a preface, in which Kirwan discusses the position of mineralogy within science in Britain, comparing it to progresses made in France, Germany and Scandinavia. "He concludes that mineralogy must be considered a branch of chemistry. In this regard, Kirwan follows Cronstedt and uses the latter's basic classification, subjugating the mineral species into earths and stones, salts, inflammables and metals, based upon the species' chemistry" (Schuh).
With a small bookplate of "Chapelle, capitaine d'artillerie" on paste-down, together with his inscription. Internally in very good condition, only a few tiny spots. Binding very slightly rubbed and slightly damaged at the foot of the spine. Overall in very good condition. Schuh 2678; Ward 1264.