Conversations on Chymistry: In which the Elements of that Science are Familiarly Explained, and Illustrated by Experiments and Plates

Jane Marcet

Philadelphia : Printed and sold by James Humphreys, 1806

[Women in Science: This work was the most successful elementary chemistry book in early America]  First American Edition.  Bound in contemporary sheep.  Some rubbing, shelf wear.  Early signature of Sam Whiting.  

Jane Marcet's Conversations on Chemistry has traditionally claimed historical attention for its effects on the young bookbinder Michael Faraday, who was converted to a life of science while binding and reading it. Marcet "inspired Faraday with a love of science and blazed for him that road in chemical and physical experimentation which led to such marvelous results." - Lindee, S. M. (1991). The American Career of Jane Marcet's Conversations on Chemistry, 1806-1853. Isis, 82 (1), 8-23. Besides Marcet's influence on Faraday, her work was the most popular in early America. It was used to educate many of the women (and men) who would become this county's first scientists.  Marcet's text was particularly valuable for its advocacy of hands on laboratory experimentation and its exploration of the latest chemical theories.  

Refs: Shaw & Shoemaker 10786; Rink 660.