Essai sur l'horlogerie; dans lequel on traite de cet art, relativement à l'usage civil, à l'astronomie et à la navigation [...].

2 vols., 4to: [4]-lv-[1]-477-[10], [4]-viii-452 pp.; 38 pls. (some lvs. browned, some foxing on edges, pls. sl. soiled).

Cont. marbled calf, gilt tooled spine with raised bands, red edges (hole in upper endpaper, bumped corners, lower joints sl. split, sm. scratches on boards).

First edition of this outstanding work on horology by the famous Swiss watchmaker Berthoud (Plancemont 1727-1807 Paris). He moved to Paris early in his life and gained fame as a watchmaker. His "Essai" is the most important basic work among his other authoritative publications. He is one of the several horologists to whom the invention of the so-called "Spring detent" escapement has been claimed. Ref. Tardy 51. - Brunet I:819. Prov. Old library stamp.