L'art des expériences, ou Avis aux amateurs de la physique, sur le choix, la construction et l'usage des instruments; sur la préparation et l'emploi des drogues que servent aux expériences.

3 vol., 12mo: xx-480, [4]-518, [4]-507 pp.; 56 pl. (sl. browned).

Contemp. mottled sheep, gilt spines with raised bands, gilt leather title labels, red edges (sl. rubbed, def. at heads & tails). Good copy.

First edition of this practical treatise for use of the "amateur de la physique" who wants to conduct experiments at home. It deals with the materials used for the manufacturing of scientific instruments (wood, metals, glass), together with guidelines on their use and on the experiments during which they were used. Complete with 56 (13, 23, 20) engr. pl. mainly illustrating scientific instruments including some Réaumur thermometers. Vol. 1 contains a section on the making of drugs with ill. and sections on glassmaking and metals.
Ref. Wheeler Gift 430. - Duveen 433. - BnF.
Prov. Prize book given by the Liège magistrates in 1775: Guillaume-Antoine-Bernardd de Geloes & Jean-Ignace de Villenfagne de Sorinnes (printed prize leaf mounted on front endpaper).