Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliothèque de feu A.-C. Patu de Mello, suivi de la Notice d'une Collection précieuse d'Instrumens de Physique, de Chymie, de Mathématiques, d'Astronomie, d'Optique, etc. provenant de sa Succession

xii, [3], 250 pp.; 8 pp. Two vols. 8vo, attractive antique mottled half-calf & grey boards, spines gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spines. Paris: Veuve Tilliard et Fils, n.d. [sale: 20 Feb. 1800].

Very rare. “Ce catalogue renferme des articles précieux. M. André-Claude Patu de Mello, ancien payeur des rentes de l’hôtel-de-ville de Paris, né en 1726, est mort en 1799…M. Patu de Mello…possédoit un très beau cabinet de machines de physique et d’astronomie.”–Peignot, p. 117.

Patu de Mello had strong scientific interests and the catalogue of his library lists 1957 lots, which for the largest part consisted of books on natural history, medicine, and the physical sciences. It is followed by the catalogue of his scientific instruments, here separately bound, describing 77 lots of magnets, electrical machines, barometers, thermometers, microscopes, astronomical instruments, and pendulums. The catalogue contains interesting notes concerning provenance, questions of bibliographical priority, and medical curiosities.

Fine set. With the three-page schedule of the sale.

❧ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, col. 509–“Collection importante sur la physique et les sciences naturelles.” Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Book Auctions...1643-1830, 402.