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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Paper, 'A treatise of ambargris' by Caspar Neuman [Neumann]

Reference number: CLP/11ii/20

Date: 15 October 1729

Description

English translation of a paper detailing the origin, nature, and composition of ambergris and experiments to determine whether it is an animal, vegetable, or mineral substance. The paper is preceded by a letter from Neumann to Sir Hans Sloane introducing his paper and acknowledging that his experiments were inspired by the work of Paul Dudley, although their conclusions on the subject differ.

Subject: Chemistry

Published in Latin in three parts in Philosophical Transactions as 'De ambra grysea. Auctore Casparo Neumanno, M. D. Chemiæ Profess. Berolin. & R. S. S', 'De Ambra Grysea. Auctore Casparo Neumanno, M. D. Chemiæ Profess. Berolin. & R. S. S. [vide Part I. N° 433.]', and 'De Ambra Grysea. Auctore Casparo Neumanno, M. D. Chemiæ Profess. Berolin. & R. S. S. [vide part I. N°. 433. & Part II. N° 434.]'.

Written by Neumann in Berlin [Germany]. Read to the Royal Society on 4 June 1730.

Reference number
CLP/11ii/20
Earliest possible date
15 October 1729
Physical description
Ink on paper
Page extent
105 pages
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

Caspar Neumann

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Citation

Caspar Neumann, Paper, 'A treatise of ambargris' by Caspar Neuman [Neumann], 15 October 1729, CLP/11ii/20, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/clp_11ii_20/paper-a-treatise-of-ambargris-by-caspar-neuman-neumann, accessed on 23 January 2025

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  • Classified Papers

    Dates: 1592-1741

    The 'Classified Papers' of the Royal Society are papers from British and international natural philosophers and scholars categorised according to subject areas.

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