2 Volumes Bound Together, by Natural Philosopher Joseph Priestley 'on different kinds of air' (1781), and a rebuttal of a plagiarism charge (1775)

PRIESTLEY, Joseph (1733-1804) 1) 'Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air'. Third edition. Bound with 2) 'Philosophical Empiricism: containing remarks on a charge of plagiarism, respecting Dr H - s, interspersed with various observations relating to different kinds of air' Pub. LONDON: printed for J. Johnson 1781. Collation: Half title, frontispiece, title, pp[iii]-xxiii, [2] leaves, 324pp: 1 plate 2) Pub. London: Printed for J Johnson 1775. Collation: Title, [1] leaf, 85pp, [3] leaves.
This is an important historical volume. Joseph Priestley was a chemist and natural philosopher. He is famous for his experiments and description of many gases including Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrous Oxide ('laughing gas'), and later the method of making carbonated water.
Leather bound, faded dentelles, some flecking, some shelf wear, some leather bleeding and shadowing, reinforced newer spine with internal japan tape, mild tanning and foxing.
Bookplate: Ex Libris KF Russell (207x130mm)


PROVENANCE:
Collection Late Kenneth F. Russell (1911-1987), Professor of Anatomy and Medical History, University of Melbourne.

Estimate $600-800