Conversations on Chemistry, In which the Elements of that Science are familiarly explained and illustrated by Experiment and Plates. To Which are Added, Some late Discoveries on the subjects of the Fixed Alkalies, by H. Davy. A Description and Plate of th

New Haven [Connecticut]: From Sidney's Press, For Increase Cooke & Co., 1809. Second edition. Octavo; full calf; raised title band and gilt lines to spine, xi, 358, 17 pages,12 plates, Appendix Good condition with shelfwear, some dents and scratches to boards; tear to foot of spine neatly repaired with archival glue; edgewear and bumping to corners but a nice sturdy copy; pages browned but very readable; edges show foxing; prior owner names on front paste-down, title page and verso of title page; several short ink notes in margins of text and pencil markings on rear paste-down; missing last few pages of index (ends at Sugar); binding is tight. Hardcover.

A conversational book exploring chemistry, written by and intended for the edification of 19th century women in the field of physics. Originally published anonymously, this book was finally attributed to Jane Marcet in 1832 (23 years after this printing). "Conversations on Chemistry alone went through 16 British editions and at least 16 American. It was also translated into French and German. Her works became standard texts at girls’ schools throughout the United States. Marcet’s books express what must have been the philosophy and the experience of their author: that girls, like their brothers, should keep pace with up-to-date natural and human sciences." —Science History Institute Website page about Jane Marcet. With charming and delicate illustrations, this book made complex chemistry concepts accessible not just to women, but also notably influenced the scientist Michael Faraday, most famous for his early discoveries in electrolysis./ Preface; Contents; Vol 1: On Simple Bodies, Vol 2: On Compound Bodies, Appendix. // Early American Printing. Rare, Early American Women authors. Women writing science. chemistry, chemistry instruction, women in science, science education, early women writers, woman scientists