Analyse chimique de l'Eau Sulfureuse d'Enghien, pour servir a l'Histoire des Eaux sulfureuses en général

2 p.l., [vii]-xx, 385, [1] pp. 8vo, cont. sheep-backed boards (joints cracked but strong, head of spine worn), flat spine gilt with red & green morocco labels. Paris: Cuchet, 1788.

First edition. At the behest of the Faculty of Medicine, and “with the collaboration of Delaporte (of the Royal Society of Medicine) Fourcroy made very detailed analyses of the waters of Enghien, in the valley of Montmorency, and a large quantity was brought to Paris for further study. A full account of these waters was read by Fourcroy at ten successive meetings of (truncated) the society and subsequently published in the present book…A balneological and analytical chemical classic, which is ‘entirely chemical in content’ (Duveen).”–Neville, I, p. 474.

As a result of this analysis the waters were recommended for various ailments, and Enghien developed into a fashionable resort. The book includes two further studies, on the waters of Vaugirard by Poulletier de la Salle, Macquart, and Fourcroy and of Saint-Germain-en-Laye by Chappon.

Bound-in after this copy is the earlier 24-page analysis (Rapport fait par…la Faculté de Médecine. Pour l’Examen des Eaux d’Enghien…) published in 1785, as a result of which sulphur was found to be present, and the waters were put on sale or distributed free to the poor.

Very good copy. Calligraphic stamp of Dr. Ch. Mayor on title.

❧ Cole 486. Duveen p. 225. Smeaton, Fourcroy, pp. 21–22 and 115–17 for a full account of these two works; bibliography no. 30. (Inventory #: 2370)