JANIK L.A.
TREASURY OF KNOWLEDGE. CHEMICAL AND TECHNICAL HANDBOOK
For the production of essential items for chemists, drugstore owners, manufacturers, and anyone interested in low-cost production. Contains 3,000 recipes essential for every household, merchant, craftsman, and farmer.
Warsaw, [ca. 1936], Library of Scientific Works, pp. [2] 647, format 15.5x23 cm
“A Treasure Trove of Knowledge. A Chemical and Technical Handbook” by L.A. Janik is a comprehensive compendium of practical recipes and applied technologies, intended for chemists, druggists, artisans, manufacturers, and anyone interested in the domestic and industrial production of essential goods. Published in Warsaw around 1936, the volume contains nearly 3,000 recipes covering a wide range of technical and economic applications.
The book’s subject matter is extremely broad and covers not only the production and processing of leather, lubricants, enamels, solders, and metals, but also topics related to metal alloys, their coating, and the manufacture of varnishes, lacquers, inks, and lacquer. A significant portion of the book is also devoted to applied chemistry—including soaps, perfumes, adhesives, and bonding agents, as well as preparations for cleaning, preserving, and dyeing metals and other materials.
Another key element of the publication is the chapters on dyes and painting techniques, bleaching, impregnation, and stain removal, as well as photography and the production of liqueurs. The author also addresses practical issues related to pest control and the day-to-day running of a household and farm—from raising poultry, dogs, rabbits, horses, cattle, and sheep, to food processing, cheese, bones, and various types of homemade remedies and recipes.
The whole work presents a picture of “universal practical knowledge”characteristic of the first half of the 20th century, in which chemistry, craftsmanship, and home economics intertwine into a single practical system of instructions— a unique encyclopedia of everyday production and maintenance.
CONTEMPORARY FULL-LEATHER HARDCOVER WITH EMBOSSING AND GILDING. RICHLY DECORATED SPINE WITH RAISED BINDING. COVERS SURROUNDED BY A DECORATIVE FRAME; THE INSIDE OF THE COVERS FEATURES A STUNNING EMBOSSED PATTERN; THE END PAPERS AND EDGES OF THE PAGES ARE HAND-MARBLED WITH THE SAME PATTERN. ORIGINAL CARDBOARD PUBLISHER’S COVER PRESERVED
Condition: Very Good-/publisher’s cover has creases, front title page missing, minimal tears and a trace of an inscription on the title page; nevertheless, a NICE PIECE
