The history of the Royal Society of London

London: J. Martyn & J. Allestry, 1667. FIRST EDITION. Includes the rare imprimatur leaf with arms of the Royal Society on the verso, 2 engraved plates, errata leaf, but as often without the engraved frontispiece by Wenceslaus Hollar. Contemporary calf, spine in compartments with red morocco spine label; a fantastic copy with the bookplate of John Rolfe and the signature of M. Morton Smith. First edition of the first history of the Royal Society. This famous response to public attack, in which Sprat justifies the work and nature of the Society, also includes many valuable contributions, including experiments, by the members.

Cole, Chemical Literature, 1700-1860, 1242; Duveen, 558; Keynes, Hooke 28; Krivatsy 11326; Norman 1989 Wing, S-5032.