Philosophical experiments: containing useful, and necessary instructions for such as undertake long voyages at sea. Shewing how sea-water may be made fresh and wholsome: and how fresh-water may be preserv'd sweet. How Biscuit, Corn, &c. may be secured from the Weevel, Meggots, and other Insects. And Flesh preserv'd in hot Climates, by Salting Animals whole. To which is added, An Account of several Experiments and Observations on Chalybeate or Steel-Waters: With some Attempts to convey them to distant Places, preserving their Virtue to a greater Degree than has hitherto been done. Likewise a Proposal for cleansing away Mud, &c. out of Rivers, Harbours, and Reservoirs. Which were read before the Royal-Society

London: W. Innys and R. Manby, 1739. 8vo. [4], xxx, [2], 163, [1], [6], [2]pp. Engraved plate. Contemporary mottled calf, spine with raised bands into six compartments morocco lettering piece, title gilt.

Provenance: Earl of Breadalbane (armorial bookplate)

First edition of an important account of scientific efforts to improve the lives of sailors in the English Navy.

Stephen Hales (1677-1761) was an English scientist and inventor who made lasting contributions to a range of scientific fields, including botany, physiology, and public health. He was also the first person to measure blood pressure. In this work he proposes lifesaving reforms on English Navy and merchant ships, investigates the distillation of sea-water for drinking, the protection of food from insects, and concludes with a discussion of methods for removing mud from harbors. The experiments in saltwater conducted by Hales were part of the intense period interest in what was known as "salt chymistry," a rich topic that has only recently come to serious attention in the history of science. This edition was published at the expense of the Royal Society, and for which Hales received the Copley Medal for outstanding achievements in research. The perils of long-distance travel by ship in the Age of Sail made Hales's inquiries particularly important.

ESTC T42264; NLM/Blake p.192; Wellcome III, p.194.