12mo. [6], 10-131pp, [3]. With a terminal advertisement leaf. Uncut and partially unopened in original publisher's printed buff paper boards. Heavily rubbed, marked, spine cracked, joints starting. Scattered spotting.

The first edition, in original unsophisticated state, of Church of England clergyman John Topham's (1794/5-1881) compendium of chemistry experiments 'drawn up for the use of pupils' and 'capable of being performed without the aid of any Apparatus, except a few Ale and Wine Glasses, Tobacco-pipes, an Oil Flask, and a Crucible; and unattended with the least danger'.

Between 1819 and 1832, Topham served as Headmaster of the Royal Grammar School, Bromsgrove; an advertisement for which appears on the terminal leaf of this publication.

OCLC records copies at just three locations (Adelaide, BL, and Huntington); COPAC adds one further (Cambridge).