About this book

Essays on the Floating-Matter of the Air in Relation to Putrefaction and Infection

By John Tyndall

D. Appleton and Company, New York, 1882

First American edition

Hardcover

An early American edition of John Tyndall’s major work on airborne matter, germs, infection, putrefaction, fermentation, and spontaneous generation. Tyndall used scientific tests to study how matter carried through the air could cause decay and disease.

This original 1882 edition came during a key period in the growth of germ theory. It is best suited for collectors of medical history, microbiology, Victorian science, public health, and early scientific books.

Major hook: First American edition of an important nineteenth-century germ-theory work.

Condition: Acceptable antique condition. No dust jacket. Brown cloth covers show rubbing, marks, edge wear, and worn corners. Cloth at the top of the spine is heavily frayed and torn, with material loss. Page edges show age toning and discoloration. The front endpaper has erased or covered prior-owner writing. Interior pages show age-related toning and handling wear. See photos for full condition details.

Search terms: John Tyndall, floating matter air, germ theory, infection, putrefaction, spontaneous generation, microbiology, medical history, D Appleton, 1882 science book, first American edition.