Tracts ... containing new experiments, touching the relation betwixt flame and air. And about explosions. An hydrostatical discourse... New experiments, of the positive or relative levity of bodies under water. Of the air's spring on bodies under water. About the differing pressure of heavy solids and fluids.

London: For Richard Davis, 1672. Very Good. Octavo (18 cm); [6],142; [2],17,[1]; [12], 176,[2]; [2], 19; [2],16,[2],39,[1] pages. Contemporary calf, rebacked. Spine gilt; some browning and spots, but a complete copy with all half-titles and the rare 2 blank leaves, and all gatherings in the correct order. Bookplates of George Baillie (one of the Lords of the Treasury) and William A. Cole. Old owner's autograph on title page. Scattered foxing; toning, especially at edges. References: Fulton, 101; Norman, 305; Wing, B4060; Madan, 2090.

First edition of Boyle's important observations on respiration. Fulton notes: "Boyle was impressed (truncated) with the idea that life was a slow-burning flame, and he often pointed out the analogy between living processes and the burning of a candle. It was in the present tracts, however, that he gave special attention to the theme, insisting upon the term "Flamma vitalis" ... in many places he approached the modern theory of oxidation. (Inventory #: 6381)