Samuel Hartlib his Legacy of Husbandry. Wherein are bequeathed to the Common-wealth of England, not onely Braband, and Flanders, but also many more Outlandish and Domestick Experiments and Secrets (of Gabriel Plats and others) never heretofore divulged in reference to Universal Husbandry. With…several Augmentations and enriching Enlargements in this Third Edition.
Title within typographical border. 8 p.l., 303 pp. Small 4to, 18th-cent. mottled calf (carefully rebacked by Trevor Lloyd, some occasional browning & soiling), spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. London: J.M. for R. Wodnothe, 1655.
Third edition, greatly enlarged (1st ed.: 1651), of one of Hartlib’s most substantial works, consisting chiefly of letters to Hartlib by Cressy Dymock and Robert Child. “The Legacie deals with a large variety of subjects, among which are Saint Foine; Ploughs and Carriages; Digging, Setting and Howing; Smut and Mildew; Orchards; Hemp and Flax; Manuring; Bees; Silke-worms; the general ignorance, and various experiments, etc. The reference to the cultivation of lucerne in England is stated by Miss Aslin to be the earliest extant, but the distinction between the various grasses is so vague in these early works that it might be difficult fully to substantiate this remark.”–Fussell, I, pp. 43-44.
Very good copy.
Price: $3,000.00
Item ID: 6511
