Le mercure indien, ou Le trésor des Indes. Premiere partie. Dans laquelle est traitté de l'or, de l'argent [...] [- Seconde partie. Dans laquelle est traitté des pierres precieuses, & des perles [...]].

8vo: [16]-64, [16]-176 pp. (faintly fox. throughout, occ. stains, ink stain on 1st title).

Contemp. calf painted in brown (corners rest.), spine on 5 raised bands (joints split.), spr. edges. Binding somewhat used otherwise good copy.

1st edition, 1st issue, of this much esteemed and sought after mining and metallurgical treatise by the Parisian goldsmith P. de Rosnel ("orfèvre ordinaire du Roy"). In the 1st part describing gold, silver and mercury, special emphasis is laid upon the mines of the New World. The 2nd part is of gemological interest, dealing with the origin of gemstones and describing the diamond, ruby, spinel, sapphire, topaz, emerald...., pearls..., agate, jades and massive ornamental stones; at the end, a chapter devoted to valuation of gems presenting realistically and in detail the method by which values are assigned to cut gems. Dedicated to Le Tellier, with his engraved arms on both titles. Ref. Sinkankas 5569 (extensive description). - Sabin 73297. - Ferguson II:295. - Cp. Duveen p. 516, Caillet 9597. Prov. Old name on title.