Enlarged second edition of the German translation of A lapidary, first published in English in 1652, compiled by Thomas Nicols, and in German in 1675: ''the first independent gemological book by a British author ... based firmly upon Boetius de Boodt'' (Sinkankas). Nicols lists all the true gems, but also covers fossils, coral, pearls, amber, etc. For each he discusses the forms, appearance, properties (diligently but somewhat sceptically reporting magical, mystical and medical claims), origins, classification, uses, prices, engraving on gems, etc. Nicols makes an intelligent synthesis of the earlier literature, as well as original contributions primarily in practical aspects related to jewellery, such as enhancing stones with reflective foils or dyestuffs, hardening softer stones, and the related subjects of falsification and adulteration. In the present edition the first section has been expanded to 35 chapters (instead of 25) and the second has 89 unnumbered chapters, as in the first English edition.
Title-page slightly damaged at the fore-edge margin, a few small spots, otherwise in very good condition. Carter, Sea of Pearls, p. 92; Schuh II 3528; Sinkankas 4758; cf. Hoover 610 & 611; Ward 1656.