File:Travels in England, Scotland, and the Hebrides- Undertaken for the Purpose of Examining the State of the Arts, the Sciences, Natural History and Manners, in Great Britain, Vol. 2 - DPLA - 527088440affc86e0d9e5049fecdb695 (page 20).jpg

Volume two of the first English translation of a work by French geologist Faujas-de-St.-Fond (1741-1819). The original French, Voyage en Angleterre, en Écosse, et aux Îles Hébrides was published two years prior, in 1797. The volume contains information on the application of science to English industries as well as the geology of the British Isles. The work also contains several plates illustrating the locations de-St.-Fond visited and notable specimens or artifacts he saw. These volumes were translated by an anonymous author who made several changes to the French original. The translator updated many of de-St.-Fond's observations and added their own notes on mineralogical and chemical matters. Additionally, the illustrations in volume II are reduced copies of the originals. In 1907 another limited edition (450 copies) was published in Glasgow, edited by Sir Archibald Geikie and containing his notes and memoir. In 1784, de-St.-Fond traveled throughout England, Scotland, and the Hebrides. de-St.-Fond was fluent in English, which presented itself as a valuable skill during his travels as he could converse easily with locals. Early naturalists considered these conversations vital to their research, as the local people were considered to live in symbiosis with their environment. During his time in London, de-St.-Fond visited many notable scientists and academics including Joseph Banks (1743-1820), Tiberius Cavallo (1749-1809), John Lettsom (1744-1815), John Sheldon (1752-1808), and John Herschel (1792-1871). He also visited the Royal Society, Greenwich Observatory, Kew Gardens, the British Museum, and other places of historic or academic value. In Newcastle, he spent time learning and writing about the coal industry. In Manchester, he explored the collections of Thomas Henry (1734-1816). In Birmingham, he met with James Watt (1736-1819) and Joseph Priestly (1733-1804). He also visited Josiah Wedgewood (1730-1795) and toured his pottery and glassworks facilities in Parker. Additionally, de-St.-Fond spent time in Prestonpans visiting the alkali and sulphuric acid works and the Carron ironworks. The entire volume has been digitized.