By Jana Kelly
Pilchuck Librarian & Archivist

The oldest item in the Library and Archive is older than the trees that surround the Pilchuck campus (and many of the trees in Western Washington). At 190 years old, A Treatise on the Origin, Progressive Improvement, and Present State of Manufacture of Porcelain and Glass, by George Richardson Porter, is the oldest item in the collection. Published in Philadelphia in 1832, this book is one volume of the 133 volume set, The Cabinet Cyclopedia, conducted by the Rev. Dionysius Lardner, LL.D. F.R.S. L. & E. M.R.I.A F.R.A.S. F.L.S F.Z.S. Hon. F.C.P.S. &c. &c. and assisted by Eminent Literary and Scientific Men. The year this book was published, Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, was born. Andrew Jackson was elected to his second term. Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle arrived for the first time in South America.

The book is not in pristine condition. Though it is not ripped or torn, it shows its age. A few pages are loose, there is evidence of old water damage, there are splotches of discoloration that may be from dormant mold, oils or just degrading paper fibers. The page edges are ragged, though they may have been that way originally. There are a few handwritten markings on the inside of the cover that may be initials. When I hold it, it feels heavy for its size and well worn.  

Despite its age, the content is incredible and comprehensive. There are chapters on typical processes such as constructing furnaces, manufacturing flint and bottle glass and instructions for manufacturing pipes for glass blowing. Less typical are chapters on the manufacturing of glass from calcined bones, artificial gems, formation of lenses, the causes of defects and their corrections, the specific gravity of glass, the art of coloring glass, staining, painting, and engraving. Woodcuts depict glassblowers at work, double furnaces, casting, and tools. At the back of the book there is an insert from the publisher, advertising recently published works and the additional volumes of Re. Lander’s cyclopedia including The History of The Rise, Progress And Present State Of Silk Manufacture.

If you are a glass geek, a book nerd, or you love a good woodcut, this book is for you. While the copy in our collection is not readily accessible to researchers because of the book’s condition and age, Google Books provides free access to a scanned copy of a later edition that can be read online or downloaded. View it here. 

When the school is not in session, the library and archive is open to in-person researchers by appointment only. Phone and email research requests can be made any time. Donations of relevant books and archival material with a direct connection to the school are welcome. To learn more about the Pilchuck Glass School's library, contact Jana Kelly, Librarian & Archivist, jkelly@pilchuck.org