Le teinturier universel: echo des applications des Matières colorantes

1860. CHEVREUL, Michel-Eugène and M. JACOB (editors). Le teinturier universel: echo des applications des Matières colorantes. 96 fascicles in four volumes. 192; 192; 192; 192 pp., together with 192 specimens of various dyes on paper, cotton, silk, rope and leather. Folio, 310 x 228 mm., bound in original printed wrappers, together in a new red cloth box. Paris: Teinturier Universel, 1860-1864. Complete set, containing every issue from [1 année], no. 1 (1 avril 1860) through 4 année, no. 24 (15 mars 1864). The periodical was issued semi-monthly; each issue includes lecture notes from M.E. Chevreul's "Cours de teintures des Gobelins," here in its first printing. Chevreul's colour studies made him one of the most influential scientists in France during the nineteenth century. From 1824 he was director of dyeing at the Manufactures Royales des Gobelins where he taught chemistry for nearly sixty years. "Chevreul's immediate task at Gobelins was to work on the improvement of colour intensity and fastness in wools. He had been selected for this position because he was an outstanding chemist; and his initial studies were on the chemical aspects of dyes and dyeing, attempting to place the art of dyeing on a more rational basis than the complicated and empirical procedures then employed...Chevreul rendered an important service to the dye industry during the years prior to the advent of synthetic dyestuff" (DSB). With nearly two hundred specimens of various colour dyes on paper, cotton, silk, rope and a few illustrating the tanning and colouring of leather. The final volume investigates a large number of contrasting colours on the same type of sample (Échantillon de Papier). Fragile spines somewhat worn but an excellent copy in original condition, with many gatherings unopened. A desirable copy of a rare and important work. Bibliotheca Tinctoria 1218.