1 p.l., 78, 196 pp. Small 8vo, self-bound. Leipzig: 1818.

Scarce. Rau (1744-1818), studied law and philosophy at the University of Leipzig and, after earning his doctorate, became professor of law at his alma mater and a judge. He wrote a number of notable legal works. His library occupies the first part of this catalogue and number 1521 volumes. Rau was particularly interested in book auction catalogues: lots 1391-1455 describe a number of rarities. The second part of the catalogue describes 5078 volumes of miscellaneous items, including a number of early printed books.

Very nice copy. WorldCat lists no copy outside of Germany. More

40 leaves (the final blank). Small folio (332 x 210 mm.), orig. paste-paper boards (spine & extremities somewhat worn), uncut. [Clausthal?: ca. 1815].

A fine and legible manuscript instructional manual on techniques and problems of mine surveying. The text is divided into five chapters: “Von der Vorbereitung zum Markscheiden” (“On preparations for measuring the area in which mining may be carried out”), “Von Bennenung der Gänge und Klüfte” (“On the naming of seams and fissures”), “Vom Observiren” (“On Observations”), “Vom Vermaß oder Verbestimmung eines Grubenfelds” (“On measuring and defining a mining claim”), and “Von Wasserfällen, Wasserleitungen und Tiefbau” (“On waterfalls, water conduits and underground mining”)... More

Title within ornate woodcut architectural border. Woodcut printer’s device on title. 26 unnumbered leaves. Small folio, cont. pigskin-backed wooden boards, spine & boards stamped in blind, orig. brass catches on upper cover, one (of two) orig. clasps. Paris: N. de La Barre for E. Le Fevre, 6 October 1515.

[bound with]:

—. Arithmetica Speculativa…duodecim libris demonstrata. Title within ornate woodcut architectural border which is printed in red & black. Woodcut printer’s device on title. Several woodcuts in the text. 100 unnumbered leaves. Small folio (some foxing). Paris: N. de La Barre for E. Le Fevre, 18 December 1515. More

Finely engraved title-page, one folding engraved map, & numerous large & fine engraved head- & tail-pieces. xx, 464, [34] pp. Folio, cont. marbled sheep (lower cover a little abraded), spine richly & brightly gilt, orange morocco lettering piece on spine. Vienna: M. A. Schmidt, 1780.

First edition, and a really fine copy, of this beautifully decorated and attractive book. This work contains a detailed account and history, district by district, of the mines of Bohemia, an area of great mineral wealth including coal, lignite, iron, and the raw materials for porcelain. Peithner provides much information on the earlier and contemporary mineralogical and geological histories of the area... More

Folding printed table in Vol. I. (with a short tear). 9 p.l., iv, [17]-364 pp.; 4 p.l., [5]-368 pp. Two vols. 8vo, cont. sheep (rubbed, occasional browning), spines gilt, red leather lettering pieces on spines. Philadelphia: Printed for the Author, 1785.

First American edition of the most substantial agricultural text yet published in the United States; it was published during Varlo’s unsuccessful sojourn in America (see below). Varlo (ca. 1725-ca. 1795), was an agriculturist and inventor of a number of agricultural machines. The present book was first published in York in 1770.

“In 1784, while he was living in Sloane Square, in London, Varlo became involved in a somewhat ludicrous episode. He had bought papers and charters supposedly granted by Charles I to Sir Edward Plowden, entitling him to colonize New Albion (later New Jersey) in America. This attempt at colonization had failed and in Charles II’s reign the charter was superseded by a new grant to the duke of York. Armed with his papers (which were probably forgeries), Varlo went out to the American colonies in 1784 hoping to be recognized as governor of the province of New Jersey and to take over one-third of the territory. The case was tried before the colonial courts, but Varlo’s claim was dismissed…Before returning to England he travelled for a year through New England, Maryland, and Virginia (where he met George Washington).”–ODNB. More