Description

Description: This 1885, pen and ink illustrated chemistry notebook belonged to the 15 year-old Cuyler Reynolds who was enrolled at the Albany Academy at that time. Twenty-nine pages have beautifully penned, concise descriptions of twenty-five experiments with twelve exquisite, precise pen and ink illustrations, of which all but the last two are assigned Roman numerals. The missing illustrations in the blank spaces for 13 experiments suggest an unfinished task.

Each experiment has a title, such as “I Chemical Combination,” “XII Combination is Oxygen,” “XIV Force of Cohesion. Fusion.” The illustrations are centered below the title, and the descriptions include the quantity of chemicals required, the method, and the reaction and/or end product to expect. Reynolds lists the necessary chemical ingredients and equipment at the end.

For instance, for experiment “X Heat produced by Chemical Action,” he draws a test tube half immersed in a beaker. The description below the illustration reads:

“To show that sulphuric acid while combining with water produces heat, fill a test tube partly with alcohol and immerse it in a vessel filled with sulphuric acid. Add a quarter as much water, [sic] as acid, and in a short time, it will become so heated, that the alcohol will begin to boil./Alcohol, Sulphuric acid, water, test-tube, beaker.”

Written in a quarto (10” x 8”) ruled notebook with marbled boards. Item #AM00389

Cuyler Reynolds (1866-1934) was a well-regarded journalist and author who served for years as the Albany City Historian; his best-known work is the Albany Chronicles. At the turn of the century, he was also curator and director at the Albany Institute of History and Art.

Condition: Head of spine chipped, extremities slightly worn, one blank sheet has detached from binding. Writing and illustrations are clear and legible. Generally in good condition.