December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
Gaspar Monge. "Description de l'art de fabriquer les canons, faite en exécution de l'arrêté du Comité de Salut public, du 18 pluviôse de l'an 2 de la République française, une et indivisible." Paris, de l'Imprimerie du Comité de Salut Public, 2 ans. [1794]. Large quarto. With 4 folding letterpress tables and 60 folding engraved plates (partly on blue paper stock). In original binding, with calf spine and marbled boards, the label red and gilt. First edition of a sumptuously illustrated treatise on the production of artillery. Gaspar Monge, known as the father of differential geometry, was an ardent supporter of the Revolution. He held the office of the Minister of Marine and was requested by the Committee of Public Safety to assist in the service of the republic. "Between 1786 and 1788 Monge investigated with Berthollet and Vandermonde the principles of metallurgy and the composition of irons, cast metals, and steels. This research enabled them to unite previous, findings in these areas...and, to apply this knowledge to the improvement of various, techniques [in the casting and manufacture of artillery]." (DSB). CONDITION: Binding worn, corners bumped and chipped, edgewear to the boards, the spine separating from boards at bottom a few inches up on both sides. Very good and complete internally, the pages and plates clean.