[PRINTING]. [DAVIDS, Thaddeus]. The History of Ink, including its Etymology, Chemistry, and Bibliography. New York: [Francis Hart & Co. for] Thaddeus Davids & Co., n.d. [ca. 1860].
8vo. Chromolithograph title-page, 17 lithographed plates including one chromolithograph by Snyder, Black and Strum. Original reddish-brown cloth stamped in blind and gilt, edges gilt (spine darkened and with old repairs, recased, joints reinforced, some inked stains to upper cover, corners rubbed, evidence of bookplate removal on rear pastedown). Provenance: Public Library of the City of Detroit (early bookplate, rubberstamp on title dated 1890).
FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed by Ms. Davids to Annie M. Shaw. A rare promotional book intended to promote inks sold by Thaddeus Davids, who built one of the largest ink companies in the world at the time.