first edition 3 figures and a folding map. xxxvi, 380 pp. 1 vols. 16mo
1763 · Paris
by (South Africa) De la Caille, M. l'Abbé [Nicolas Louis]
Paris: Ches Guillyn, 1763. First edition. 3 figures and a folding map. xxxvi, 380 pp. 1 vols. 16mo. Quarter modern vellum, gilt spine, uncut. Fine. First edition. 3 figures and a folding map. xxxvi, 380 pp. 1 vols. 16mo. Nicolas Louis De La Caille (1713-62), an eminent French mathematician and astronomer, arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on March 30, 1751 and began a study of the parallax of the moon. In this diary, he gives descriptions of Rio Janeiro, the Cape, Bourbon, and Ascension. De La Caille's account of the Hottentot and other customs and societies dissented from and superseded Kolbe's narrative, although he made almost as great errors as his predecessor. However, after the publication of this journal by De La Caille, Kolbe was no longer considered a standard author on the topic. (See Theal, History of South Africa, 1691-1795). Mendelssohn I, p. 434; for de la Caille: Dictionary of Scientific Biography, VII, pp. 542-545
(Inventory #: 47346)