The Knowledge of Medals, 1715, (Anonymous, Louis Jobert?)
ΤΗΕ Knowledge of MEDALS: INSTRUCTIONS for thoſe who apply Themſelves to the Study of MEDALS, OR both Ancient and Modern. SHEWING, I. The Age of MEDALS, and which are moſt Valuable. II. The Metals whereof MEDALS are made, and the different sizes that form the ſeveral Series's in the fame Metals, of Gold, Silver, and Copper. III. The ſeveral Heads and Reverſes that render MEDALS more or leſs Beautiful and Curious. IV. The different Languages that compoſe the Inſcriptions on MEDALS according to the Coun tries where coined V. The beſt way to preſerve MEDALS, on which thcir Beauty and Value particularly depend. VI. The Knowledge of the Ornaments and Sym Lols wherewith MEDALS are charged. VII. The various Ways of Counterfeiting MEDALS, and how to diſcover them. VIII. The Principles laid down by the Curious, to facilitate the Knowledge of MEDALS. Written by a NOBLEMAN of France. Made Engliſh by an Eminent Hand. he Second Edition. To which is added, An ESSA Y concerning The Error in Diſtributing Modern MEDALS. By JOSEPH ADDISON, Efq;. LONDON: Printed for E. CURLL, at the Dial and Bible; and T. CALDECOTT, at the Sun; both againſt St.Dunſtan's Church in Fleetſtreet . 1715. Price 2 s. 6 d.
Early full brown leather binding with red title plate on spine. Gold and blind stamped details on spine and boards. Later (?) marbled end papers. Mild scuffs of leather. Front hinge cracked (board still securely attached by cords). Rear board beginning to crack. Book has a very slight curve. Internally it is a clean, bright, and tight copy. In overall good condition. Measures approximately 6 ¼ x 4 x ½ inches.
Interesting pencil note (to binder?) on fourth fly leaf (immediately preceding half title) which reads, “this leaf not to be taken out.” Above that note, in an early hand, is written in ink “Tho. Allsopp.” We find that there was an infamous author and stockbroker, Thomas Allsopp (1795 – 1880), who attempted to assassinate Napolean. Further research would be required, of course, to connect this signature to that particular Thomas Allsopp.
