Books published between 1600 and 1800
Robert Boyle: Essay on the Virtue of Gems
Robert Boyle (1627-1691):
best known for Boyle's law was an Irish physicist, chemist and
philospher. He was one of the first ones to do actual light experiments with Diamonds
(see Appendix). He also wrote one of the earliest systematic studies on
the physical properties, the origins and geology of gemstones. "Essay on Virtue of Gems", one of the major renaissance scientific studies on gemstones,
contrary to many lapidary works which deal with healin, talismanic
aspects of gemstones, Boyle experimented on them.
Samuel Chapuzeau: Jewels of the East and West
Chapuzeau was most likely the person who also wrote Tavernier's Travelogue. Jewels and Principal Riches of the East and West
Tavernier
Tavernier was one of the leading gem and diamond dealers of the past
few centuries. These two parts describe all his travels to India in
particular, meetings with the moghuls etc. He also dedicates a few
chapters and appendices to famous diamonds (he brought back the Hope
Diamond (presently in the Smithsonian) and discusses extensively the
Koh-I-Noor) as well as other gems. Links point to most important
chapters only.
Tavernier on famous diamonds Appendix 1,2,3? Koh-I-Noor, list of famous diamonds etc
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Thomas Nicols: A Lapidary or History of Pretious Stones
"The importance of this landmark gemology lies in
several features among which is the attempt of the author to provide a scheme
of classification...Nicols further considers such matters as the origin of
gemstones...[the] descriptive part begins with diamonds, to which much space is
given...A striking feature of the book, perhaps gained from personal
experience, is his familiarity with the methods of enhancement of gems in their
jewelry settings, also falsifications and adulterations, all of his statements
regarding these areas being fresh and authoritative and suggesting a recent
experience with gems and the manufacture of jewelry. Much of this information
remains pertinent."
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