TRIMMER, Joshua

Practical Geology and Mineralogy (John W. Parker, London,

1841)

8vo, pp. 519, 212 text figures

[together with:] Contemporary (10 March 1841) als from Trimmer discussing proof corrections

An English first edition of this standard geological work, used in the preparation of the 1842 American edition. There are hundreds of pencil and ink annotations, mostly page changes for the larger American edition. Apparently, Trimmer assigned proofing to others – possibly his students? – as there are more than 17 first names (James, Caleb, Tom, John, etc.) inscribed on numerous pages.

A tipped-in inked paragraph states notes that a glossary will be added, and the text of this note is printed on p. xi of the American edition. New edition page numbers and signature numbers are given as fractions on many pages. The contents and index pages are replete with new page numbers and crossed out (eliminated) topics.

Here and elsewhere Trimmer balanced scientific rigour with a consistent advocacy for utility and profit as motives for geological research.

Fair condition: covers detached; annotated throughout.