Robert Boyle
Experiments and considerations about the porosity of bodies in two essays. London, S. Smith 1684.

Erste Ausgabe eines der interessantesten Werke des irischen Naturforschers, da es den Beginn der Erforschung des osmotischen Drucks und des Stoffaustauschs durch lebende Membranen behandelt.

"To a modern physiologist the Porosity of Bodies is of signal interest, for it marks the beginning of the study of osmotic pressure and of the exchange of substances through living membranes, which is at the basis of the regulation of all bodily processes. He commences by considering the skin and sweating, confirming Santorio's celebrated observations on loss of weight through insensible perspiration. There are interesting observations upon the absorption of medicines through the skin and through wounds. The second part of the essay deals with the porosity of solid bodies, and once more we find Boyle speaking in terms of atomic structure and arrangement" (Fulton).

- ILLUSTRATION: Grüner Halblederband des frühen 19. Jhs. (sign. Davison, Alnwyck) mit Rückenvergoldung und rotem Rückenschild. 16,5 : 10,5 cm. - KOLLATION: 2 Bll., 145 S. - ZUSTAND: Ohne d. l. w. Bl. Etw. fleckig und gebräunt, tls. im Kopfsteg knapper beschnitten. Einbandkanten berieben, Leder etw. verfärbt, Rücken mit Signatur in Weiß. - PROVENIENZ: Gest. Wappenexlibris Charles J. Roth. - Exlibris Charles F. Roth. - Exlibris und Stempel (dat. 1954) des Chemistry Clubs N. Y., als Geschenk des Vorherigen gekennzeichnet.

LITERATUR: Fulton 149. - Honeyman 478. - Krivatsy 1712.

First edition of one of the most interesting works by the Irish naturalist, as it deals with the beginnings of the study of osmotic pressure and the exchange of substances through living membranes. 19th cent. green half calf (signed Davison, Alnwyck) with gilt spine and red spine label. 16.5 : 10.5 cm. - Without last white leaf. Somewhat stained and browned, partly cropped close at top margin. Binding rubbed, calf somewhat discolored, spine signed in white. - Engr. coat of arms bookplate of Charles J. Roth. - Bookplate of Charles F. Roth. - Bookplate and stamp (dated 1954) of the Chemistry Club N.Y., marked as a gift from the previous owner.