Traite de l'Exploration des Mines, ou l'on decrit les Situations des Mines ....

Paris: Didot, 1773. First Edition.. Full contemporary calf.. Very good, bright; small early ownership stamp on title (inoffensive).. Large 4to, xx, [1] - 348 pp. + 24 engraved folding plates.

This work is a translation loosely based upon a report issued by the School of Mines in Freiburg in 1769. According to Monnet's statements in the introduction the book offered here is modelled on the Freiburg report and only includes material that he was able to confirm by visiting the sites mentioned. The book covers exploration for minerals, development, ventilation, drainage (there is a short note in the text concerning the use of a steam engine in (truncated) Belgium to pump out water), and the concentration of ores. Monnet eventually became France's first inspector of mines and appears to have been adept at maintaining his position through the tumultuous political changes in the country during the late 18th century. He was also identified as being a gifted chemist (Macquer) but did not leave his mark in that field. The associated field of mineralogy is where his presence was most recognized. He published widely and for a time was in the business of supplying collections of mineral samples accompanied by a printed catalogue (the cost of these cabinet collections was 150 livres). A superb mining treatise beautifully illustrated with 24 engravings of machinery and plans that represent the latest in mining technology of the period. DSB IX, 478 - 9; see Hoover Coll.; Poggendorff II, 187-188. (Inventory #: 4806)