Illustrierte Mineralogie

Illustrierte Mineralogie
by Adolf Kenngott
Adopted for Conservation
In honor of Barbara M. Barrett to commemorate her outstanding leadership, dedication, and service as Co-Chair of the Smithsonian Campaign from 2010 – 2017
on April 8, 2018
Cover

Illustrierte Mineralogie

By Adolf Kenngott. Stuttgart: Verlag von J.F. Schreiber, [1888?].

This stunningly illustrated book is the work of distinguished German mineralogist Gustav Adolph Kenngott (1818-1897). Particularly interested in crystallography, Kenngott was the first to describe enstatite, a rare green mineral which can be cut as a gemstone. This volume is a distillation of his work intended for “the visual instruction of the young in school and with family.” In addition to its gorgeous multi-colored plates, it is significant in that it remains in its original pictorial binding, complete with advertisements for other natural history books!

Condition and Treatment: 

This is a late 19th century volume half bound in red bookcloth and paper covered boards. The front cover features a color illustration of a miner discovering mineral deposits. The edges of the boards show signs of wear with areas of loss at the corners. The boards are thin. Conservators will create a custom enclosure to protect this valuable item.

Discover more about this book in our Catalog.

Adoption Type: Preserve for the Future

Location: 
Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History