Elements D'Agricultures. Two vols.

1762. DUHAMEL DU MONCEAU, Henri-Louis. Éléments d'Agriculture. Two volumes. xxiv, 499, [1]; viii, 410, [2] pp. 12mo., 165 x 93 mm, bound in contemporary Austrian or German mottled calf, red and green title labels, edges painted red. Paris: H.L. Guerin & L.F. Delatour, 1762. First Edition, scarce; this work was included in the pioneering "Landmarks of Science" microfilming project on account of its significance in promoting a number of scientific advances which led to the agricultural revolution of the eighteenth century. Duhamel du Monceau (1700-1781) was one of the most important horticultural writers of the eighteenth century. "The first half of the eighteenth century had witnessed the beginning of a technological renaissance in agriculture, chiefly in England, where it was notably celebrated in the writings of Jethro Tull.... Although the ideas of Tull and Duhamel enjoyed substantial popularity among a progressive group of French landowners, the opposition - either in the form of active criticism or in the passive inertia of an almost medieval agrarian society - was too strong for France to enjoy the rapid agricultural changes which occurred in England and, shortly after, in Scotland. However, enough progress was made for Duhamel to receive recognition for his pioneering work during his lifetime" (DSB, IV, p. 224). Not in Cleveland Botanical, Hunt, Pritzel, Nissen, De Ganay or Brunet. Minor staining at the foot, light wear to binding extremities; overall an attractive copy in original, unsophisticated condition. With early ownership inscriptions in each volume: "G.S. Vühn."