1775 · Paris
by Rozier, François, 1734-1793, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, and others.
Paris: Chez Ruault, 1775. Original edition. Very Good. 2 volumes Quarto (28 cm); 464; 504 pages, 25 engraved plates (some folding), and folding table. Engraved headpieces. Many pages unopened. In stiff paste paper, paper labels on spine titled in manuscript and with volume numbers in ink. Old bookplate. References: (For Lavoisier) Duveen, 24-27.
Volumes 3 and 4, comprising the year 1774, of the lively forum for the publication of advancements in physics, natural history, and in mechanical arts. Electricity was in the air that year, and indeed Monsieur Franklin figures heavily in reports (letters) addressed to him, and in many articles that refer to him. While experiments with electricity are everywhere (the obstetrician Sigaud de Lafond sees gold turn purple in response to a current of electricity; a Monsieur Bajon describes his research on electric eels) subjects range widely. Lavoisier contributes research on white lead and other metals. Other articles investigate bird song, British leather dressing, rainbows, epsom salts, fish glue, a hermaphroditic ass, the Philadelphian method of drying figs, and the effects of a strong dose of opium. (Inventory #: 6424)
Volumes 3 and 4, comprising the year 1774, of the lively forum for the publication of advancements in physics, natural history, and in mechanical arts. Electricity was in the air that year, and indeed Monsieur Franklin figures heavily in reports (letters) addressed to him, and in many articles that refer to him. While experiments with electricity are everywhere (the obstetrician Sigaud de Lafond sees gold turn purple in response to a current of electricity; a Monsieur Bajon describes his research on electric eels) subjects range widely. Lavoisier contributes research on white lead and other metals. Other articles investigate bird song, British leather dressing, rainbows, epsom salts, fish glue, a hermaphroditic ass, the Philadelphian method of drying figs, and the effects of a strong dose of opium. (Inventory #: 6424)