1742 Roger Cotes Experimental Physics 1st French Ed Newton 6 Plates Leather
$1,200.00
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An important and beautifully illustrated 18th-century work of experimental physics by Roger Cotes, the English mathematician, astronomer, Cambridge professor, and close scientific associate of Sir Isaac Newton.
This is the first French edition, translated by Louis-Guillaume Le Monnier and published in Paris by David fils in 1742:
Leçons de Physique Expérimentale, sur l’Équilibre des Liqueurs, & sur la Nature & les Propriétés de l’Air.
Originally published posthumously in English as Hydrostatical and Pneumatical Lectures, the work explores hydrostatics, air pressure, vacuums, siphons, pumps, barometers, thermometers, fluid equilibrium, heat, sound, and related physical experiments.
The volume contains an early French presentation of Newton’s temperature scale and law of cooling. Cotes was closely associated with Newton and made substantial mathematical and editorial contributions to the second edition of Newton’s Principia. The Newton-Cotes formulas used in numerical integration continue to bear his name.
Complete bibliographical collation:
* First French edition
* Paris: David fils, 1742
* Octavo, approximately 20 cm
* XVI preliminary pages
* 458 numbered pages
* 14 pages of tables
* Additional explanatory and privilege leaves
* Six folding engraved plates
* Engraved title-page vignette by Duflos
* Dedication to Pierre Louis Moreau de Maupertuis
The six folding plates depict numerous 18th-century scientific instruments and experimental arrangements, including air pumps, thermometers, barometric apparatus, hydrostatic devices, siphons, pressure vessels, balances, and other equipment used in early experimental physics.
This copy possesses particularly attractive historical provenance. A large Latin prize label dated July 31, 1743 is mounted to the front pastedown, recording the presentation of the volume to Dominus Maillot as first-prize recipient in physics at the Collegium Convictorum Lugdunense in Lyon. The book therefore appears to have been specially bound and presented within approximately one year of publication.
Bound in handsome contemporary full mottled calf with five raised spine bands, gilt floral ornaments, decorative gilt tooling, and a red leather title label. The page edges are stained red, and the original marbled endpapers remain present.
Condition: A sound and highly presentable antiquarian volume showing expected wear from approximately 284 years of age. The leather boards display rubbing, scratches, discoloration, scattered stains, and areas of surface abrasion or loss, particularly on the front cover. Corners and edges show wear, and the spine label has age-related cracking. The boards are slightly splayed, with some visible space between the covers and text block. The binding remains together.
The interior is remarkably clean and well preserved overall, with occasional age-toning, scattered foxing, small marks, and minor edge wear. All six folding engraved plates are present and retain their original folds, with expected creasing, toning, and occasional spotting. The 1743 prize label and an early ownership inscription are present at the front.
Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition. The decorative letter opener shown in one photograph is a display piece and is not included.
A particularly appealing association copy combining the history of experimental physics, Newtonian science, early scientific instruments, fine 18th-century binding, and documented academic-prize provenance.
SKU V/3
1742 Roger Cotes Experimental Physics 1st French Ed Newton 6 Plates Leather
$1,200.00
This is the first French edition, translated by Louis-Guillaume Le Monnier and published in Paris by David fils in 1742:
Leçons de Physique Expérimentale, sur l’Équilibre des Liqueurs, & sur la Nature & les Propriétés de l’Air.
Originally published posthumously in English as Hydrostatical and Pneumatical Lectures, the work explores hydrostatics, air pressure, vacuums, siphons, pumps, barometers, thermometers, fluid equilibrium, heat, sound, and related physical experiments.
The volume contains an early French presentation of Newton’s temperature scale and law of cooling. Cotes was closely associated with Newton and made substantial mathematical and editorial contributions to the second edition of Newton’s Principia. The Newton-Cotes formulas used in numerical integration continue to bear his name.
Complete bibliographical collation:
* First French edition
* Paris: David fils, 1742
* Octavo, approximately 20 cm
* XVI preliminary pages
* 458 numbered pages
* 14 pages of tables
* Additional explanatory and privilege leaves
* Six folding engraved plates
* Engraved title-page vignette by Duflos
* Dedication to Pierre Louis Moreau de Maupertuis
The six folding plates depict numerous 18th-century scientific instruments and experimental arrangements, including air pumps, thermometers, barometric apparatus, hydrostatic devices, siphons, pressure vessels, balances, and other equipment used in early experimental physics.
This copy possesses particularly attractive historical provenance. A large Latin prize label dated July 31, 1743 is mounted to the front pastedown, recording the presentation of the volume to Dominus Maillot as first-prize recipient in physics at the Collegium Convictorum Lugdunense in Lyon. The book therefore appears to have been specially bound and presented within approximately one year of publication.
Bound in handsome contemporary full mottled calf with five raised spine bands, gilt floral ornaments, decorative gilt tooling, and a red leather title label. The page edges are stained red, and the original marbled endpapers remain present.
Condition: A sound and highly presentable antiquarian volume showing expected wear from approximately 284 years of age. The leather boards display rubbing, scratches, discoloration, scattered stains, and areas of surface abrasion or loss, particularly on the front cover. Corners and edges show wear, and the spine label has age-related cracking. The boards are slightly splayed, with some visible space between the covers and text block. The binding remains together.
The interior is remarkably clean and well preserved overall, with occasional age-toning, scattered foxing, small marks, and minor edge wear. All six folding engraved plates are present and retain their original folds, with expected creasing, toning, and occasional spotting. The 1743 prize label and an early ownership inscription are present at the front.
Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition. The decorative letter opener shown in one photograph is a display piece and is not included.
A particularly appealing association copy combining the history of experimental physics, Newtonian science, early scientific instruments, fine 18th-century binding, and documented academic-prize provenance.
SKU V/3