FAUJAS DE SAINT-FOND Barthélémy. VOLCANO MINERALOGY,... Lot 32

FAUJAS DE SAINT-FOND Barthélémy. VOLCANO MINERALOGY, or description of all substances substances produced or released by underground fires. PARIS, CUCHET, 1784. One volume, in-8, XIV pp, 2 pp, 511 pp, (1) f., 3 plates, full contemporary marbled calf binding. 5-rib spine, cloisonné, bronze morocco title-piece, gilt fillet on the edges, red edges. Rubbing on one corner, discreet handwritten bookplate on title page. First edition of this important synthesis, written following his research and observations in central France (Velay and Vivar), among other places. France (Velay and Vivarais). Faujas de St Fond asserts that "basalt is a real lava that has unquestionably flowed", thus opposing the proponents of the marine origin of this rock. of the rock's marine origin. He compares several species of basalt and describes its different forms, as well as lava glass, pumice, breccia and pozzolan. Illustrated with three folding engraved plates.