MAGELLAN Jean-Hyacinthe de Description of a glass apparatus, for making mineral waters, like those of Pyrmont, Spa, Seltzer, &c. In a few minutes and a very little expence. Together with the description of some new Eudiometers, or instruments for ascertaining the wholesomeness of respirable air and the method of using these instruments: in a letter to rev. Dr. Priestley.

Poggendorf, II, 10-11; Neville, II, p.125; DSB, IX, p. 6; Partington, III, p. 248; see Cole, 898 (only the 3rd edition, 1783). Not in NLM.

First edition.

Jean-Hyacinthe Magellan (1722-1790), great-grandson to the famous navigator was a famous doctor in physics. Of Portuguese origin, he converted to Protestantism and settled in England in about 1764. He was member of several notable scientific societies including the famous Royal Society in London.

His work, describing a new glass apparatus for the production of sparkling mineral waters is illustrated with a copper plat depicting in every detail his new invention.

“The glass apparatus for impregnating water with fixed air (carbon dioxide) is described in detail… Carbon dioxide was prepared by dissolving marble (calcium carbonate) in dilute sulphuric acid. magellan alos describeds three new types of eudiometer he had designed; these, and the apparatus for making carbonated waters, are illustrated in the frontispiece. An important milestone in the early literature of gas analysis

“[With] the ‘author’s letter to Priestley’ describing the glass vessels for impregnating water with fixed air which were made and improved by Mr. Parker. Detailed directions are given for the use of the apparatus and for the preparation of the various artificial mineral waters. The author repeatedly cites Bergman and his analyses of mineral waters” (Cole).

Very good copy, entirely uncut, with an ex-dono at the top of the title page to “Comte de Castelbourgh, par l’auteur”.