Egyptian Sal Ammoniac Furnace and Machines, Antique Print, 1776

This is an original antique copper engraving from 1776 of a sal ammoniac furnace and other machines. The caption reads in Dutch Afbeelding van eenen SAL-AMONIAK-OVEN en verscheidene Werktuigen. and in French Figure d'un Four à-Sel ammoniac, et de diverses Machines en Egypte., meaning picture of a sal ammoniac furnace and of various machines in Egypt.

The furnace is drawn at the right, lettered G, in two views. Above, an elevation shows five round vessels, each numbered 3, set in a row in brickwork over an arch; below, a plan shows the brick body with four long flues numbered 2 and an opening numbered 1. Above it, F is a funnel shaped trough hanging from ropes, and a scale lettered Voet. runs beneath the plan. At the upper left, B and C are two stones turning on edge on upright shafts, one with its beam drawn from above, with small parts lettered A between them. E shows a frame of rollers and a sledge drawn by a rope. Across the lower left, D is a long beam press built against a brick wall, its parts numbered 1 to 7, with a great screw at the right. Further scales lettered Voet. accompany these drawings.

The credit C. J. de Huyser, direx. is lettered under the lower left corner, and the plate number Tab. XVII. is engraved at the upper right.

The plate comes from the first volume of Voyage en Arabie & en d'autres Pays circonvoisins, the French translation of Carsten Niebuhr's account, its title page reading TOME PREMIER. Traduit de l'Allemand. A AMSTERDAM, chez S. J. BAALDE. A UTRECHT, chez J. VAN SCHOONHOVEN & COMP. MDCCLXXVI. Carsten Niebuhr (1733 to 1815) was a German born surveyor in Danish service and the only member of the Danish expedition to Arabia (1761 to 1767), sent by King Frederick V of Denmark, to return alive. The account was first published in German at Copenhagen; this is the French translation printed in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Small chips and a short tear at the lower left corner. Light uneven toning, browner toward the edges. Handling soiling along the lower and side edges. Scattered light foxing in the margin. Folding plate, original folds as issued.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.