[Houttuyn, M.; Sepp, Jan Christiaan]

Houtkunde, behelzende de afbeeldingen can meest alle bekende, in- en uitlandsche houten : de tot den houis - en scheepsbouw, tot schrynwerk, werktuigen en gereedschappen, tot verwstoffen en in de geneeskunde, worden gebruikt : op zulk eene manier, als die door de liefhebbers der naturrlyke historie, tot vermaak en nuttigheid, worden verzameld en bewaard: met aanwyzing van derzelver afkomst, hoedanighededn en gebruik : voorgesteld in de naturriyke tekening en koleuren, volgens de Hollandsche, Hoogduitsche, Engelsche, Fransche en Latynsche benaamingen, en met uitvoerige bladwyzers verrykt. / Afbeelding van in- en Uitlandsche Houten zo Wel van Boomen als Heesters / Abbildung in- und Auslandischer Holtzer. / A Representation of Inland and Foreign Wood, as Well Trees as Shrubs, which are collected by the Lovers of Natural History in their Cabinets of Natural Curiosities for Use and Pleasure. According to Their Inward Properties and Natural Colours ; also set forth with the Dutch, German, English, French and Latin Names together. / Representation des Bois des Arbres & Arbrisseaux tant du Pays qu'Etrangers, Qui Sont.

Amsterdam: Jan Christiaan Seep

1773-1782

First Edition

Quarto, bound in period full tree calf with blind stamped gilt borders to both boards. Spine heavily lettered and decorated in gilt. Marbled endpapers. Illustrated with a frontispiece and all 106 hand colored plates. The plates depict over 600 cross sections of European and exotic woods, it is a guide to the identification of wood by their grains and colors. This is considered one the most attractive books on wood ever published. Previous owner's neat bookplate, some minor rubbing, slight damage to top of spine, else in very good + condition.

"Houtkunde, behelzende de afbeeldingen van meest alle bekende, in- en uitlandsche houten," authored and published by Jan Christiaan Sepp in 1791, is a comprehensive and richly illustrated guide to various types of wood known in the late 18th century. The title translates to "Wood Science, containing illustrations of almost all known domestic and foreign woods," indicating its extensive coverage. The book is renowned for its precise and detailed botanical illustrations, which are crucial for visually identifying different types of wood, making it a valuable resource for both academics and practitioners. Each wood type is accompanied by thorough descriptions covering origins, physical properties, and practical uses, providing a complete understanding of the characteristics and applications of each wood type. The book discusses various uses of different woods, including their applications in construction, shipbuilding, cabinetry, tools, dyes, and medicine, making it useful not only for natural historians but also for professionals in various trades. "Houtkunde" represents an important scientific contribution of its time, compiling and disseminating knowledge about woods in a systematic and accessible manner. It reflects the scientific rigor and curiosity of the Enlightenment period, contributing significantly to the broader field of natural history. The book is a prime example of the detailed natural history works popular in the 18th century and remains a valuable historical document for understanding the natural history and material culture of the period. Jan Christiaan Sepp (1739-1811), a renowned Dutch entomologist, naturalist, and publisher, was known for his detailed illustrations and dedication to scientific accuracy. His publishing house, Sepp & Zoon, based in Amsterdam, specialized in high-quality natural history books noted for their beautiful illustrations and thorough scientific content. "Houtkunde" is a meticulously crafted work that provides an extensive overview of known wood types in the late 18th century, serving as a significant resource in the history of natural science and an invaluable reference for researchers and enthusiasts in the field of wood science.

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