![DALTON, John (1766-1844). A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Manchester: S. Russell for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 1], 1808; Russell and Allen for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 2], 1810; the executors of S. Russell for George Wilson [Vol. II], 1827.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/1998/NYP/1998_NYP_08922_0399_000(104827).jpg?w=1)
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DALTON, John (1766-1844). A New System of Chemical Philosophy. Manchester: S. Russell for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 1], 1808; Russell and Allen for R. Bickerstaff [Vol. I, part 2], 1810; the executors of S. Russell for George Wilson [Vol. II], 1827.
3 parts in 2 volumes, 8o (227 x 137 mm [Vol. I, part 1], 224 x 138 mm [Vol. I, part 2], 224 x 139 mm [Vol. II]). 8 engraved plates (some scattered brown spotting to plates in first part). Contemporary cloth-backed boards (boards vary by volume, plain and marbled), uncut, hand-lettered spine labels; quarter morocco folding case. Provenance: Early owner's manuscript chemical table mounted on rear pastedown of first part; printed broadsheet mounted on front pastedown of first part entitled "Atomic Symbols, by John Dalton explanatory of a lecture given by him to the Members of the Manchester Mechanics' Institution, 19th October 1835."
FIRST EDITION OF DALTON'S CLASSIC WORK ON THE ATOMIC THEORY OF MATTER. "Dalton reconstructed Newton's speculations on the structure of matter, and, applying them in a new form to chemistry, gave Lavoisier's reformation of that science a deeper significance" (PMM). Dalton maintained that all matter was composed of indestructible and indivisible atoms of various weights, each weight corresponding to one of the chemical elements. These atoms remained unchanged during chemical processes, and their particular weight determined their identity. His New System presented the first chemical atomic theory giving significance to the relative weights of the ultimate particles of all known compounds. It also provided a quantitative explanation of the phenomena of chemical reaction. "He developed a system of chemical symbols and a table [plate 4 in part 1] showing the relative weights of the atoms of a list of elements. From his principles he deduced the law of definite proportions and the law of multiple proportions" (Dibner). A FINE COMPLETE SET IN ORIGINAL CONDITION. Dibner Heralds of Science 44; Duveen, p. 156; Grolier/Horblit 22; Partington III, pp. 799-813; PMM 261; Norman 575. (3)
3 parts in 2 volumes, 8
FIRST EDITION OF DALTON'S CLASSIC WORK ON THE ATOMIC THEORY OF MATTER. "Dalton reconstructed Newton's speculations on the structure of matter, and, applying them in a new form to chemistry, gave Lavoisier's reformation of that science a deeper significance" (PMM). Dalton maintained that all matter was composed of indestructible and indivisible atoms of various weights, each weight corresponding to one of the chemical elements. These atoms remained unchanged during chemical processes, and their particular weight determined their identity. His New System presented the first chemical atomic theory giving significance to the relative weights of the ultimate particles of all known compounds. It also provided a quantitative explanation of the phenomena of chemical reaction. "He developed a system of chemical symbols and a table [plate 4 in part 1] showing the relative weights of the atoms of a list of elements. From his principles he deduced the law of definite proportions and the law of multiple proportions" (Dibner). A FINE COMPLETE SET IN ORIGINAL CONDITION. Dibner Heralds of Science 44; Duveen, p. 156; Grolier/Horblit 22; Partington III, pp. 799-813; PMM 261; Norman 575. (3)