An Essay on the Origin and Operation of the Dry Rot, with a view to it's prevention or cure

Description:

To which are annexed, suggestions on the cultivation of forest trees, and an abstract of the several forest laws, from the reign of Canute to the present time.

First edition. Binder's instructions/errata slip tipped-in at rear. This little-known work by Robert McMillan, an architect and surveyor, was produced by subscription. The total list of just 178 subscribers taking 198 copies with subscribers including John Nash, John Soane, J.B. Papworth, Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn, John Rennie; the board of Agriculture, the Council of Lords for Trade and Foreign Plantations, and East India Company.

The book opens with a description of trees and plants in general, their vegetation and their decay. Then follows an anatomical description and chemical analysis of the oak in particular, embracing all the varieties of the world, and including observations and comments by scientists such as Robert Hooke, Leeuwenhoek, and Montgolfier. Other chapters discuss fungi, decomposition of timber, and various methods of preventing dry rot.

Condition

4to, cont. full calf (bound by Jacques Chichester with his label), worn/scuffed, gilt border to both boards, rebacked (later 19th century) in sympathetic style with raised bands, gilt tooling to compartments, red leather title-piece, marbled edges. Occasional light foxing/offsetting.