‎NICOLS, THOMAS.‎
‎Edelgestein-Buchlein Oder Beschreibung der Edelgesteine, derer Gestalt, Kraffte und Tugenden, Eigenschafften, Preiss und Werth " samt beygefugten Warnungen fur Betrug an alle diejenigen, so mit Edel-Gesteinen handeln und umbgehen. - [“THE FIRST INDEPENDENT GEMOLOGICAL BOOK WRITTEN OR PUBLISHED BY A BRITISH AUTHOR""]‎

‎Hamburg, Naumann, 1675. 8vo. In a bit later full vellum. Small paper label pasted on to top of spine. Small wormtract to lower margin on last leaves, not affecting text. Ex-libris pasted on to pasted down front end-paper. A fine copy. (16), 249, (7) pp. ‎

Reference : 60724

‎ Rare first German translation of Nicols' treatise on gemstones and minerals: “the first independent gemological book written or published by a British author. The text is distinctly in two parts, the first being a general treatise on gemstones, while the second... contains 89 numbered chapters, each describing a gemstone, stone, fossil... Nicols gives adulterations, nomenclature, varieties, sources, properties, and other useful information"" (Sinkankas). The treatise's content includes a definition of precious stones, their broad categorizations, the process of their formation, gemstones prevalent in ancient times, as well as explanations for attributes like transparency, color, and hardness. It delves into topics such as counterfeit gems, detailing artificially colored crystals, techniques for cutting, engraving, and polishing gems, and exploring their perceived supernatural properties. Ferguson II, p. 138‎