Lacombe

First edition.
Bradel binding in brown half-cloth, smooth spine, havana morocco title label with a small angular loss, marbled paper boards, modern binding.
Very rare autograph inscription signed by Jean-François de La Harpe on the half-title page: "Pour M. thomas de la part de l'auteur." ["For M. thomas from the author."]
The last two letters of the word "part" having been trimmed by the binder.

Recueil de Mémoires et d'Observations sur la formation & sur la fabrication du salpêtre [Observations on the Formation and Fabrication of Saltpeter]
Chez Lacombe | Paris 1776 | 8vo (12.5 x 20 cm) | 622 pp (2) | contemporary sheep
First edition of this memoir, Duveen ascribing it to Lavoisier. With three folding plates.
Contemporary light brown marbled sheep, spine in five compartments with gilt compartments and fleurons, black morocco title label, gilt arms to foot, joints skilfully repaired, all edges speckled blue. A few small wormholes to first compartments of spine.
The upper quarter of the half-title cut away, presumably to remove traces of a former owner. One faint dampstain to inside margin of final gatherings, not serious.
A very good and rare copy.

First edition illustrated with 9 plates of which 6 folding.
Full grained calf binding. Decorated spine with raised bands. Red morocco title label. Head headcap finely restored, likewise for 2 corners. A loss to the lower board at the edge. Slight crack to upper joint at head. Good copy.
First scientific work by Spallanzani, one of the most important, marking a milestone in the history of microbiology. The author, through meticulous experiments, refutes the theory of spontaneous generation and the conceptions of Buffon and Needham. His experiments prove that microbes come from the air and are killed by boiling.
Needham, second volume: Study of the physics of the earth according to Halley's hypothesis. Physical research on nature according to the Bible. Barometric observations on the Alps.

First edition.
Near-contemporary half vellum binding with small corners, ca 1800. Smooth spine with title in black ink. 2 small splits at head, another at foot.
Epistemological and philosophical approach to medicine. The author traces back to Hippocrates to understand how medicine has evolved and returns to simple principles, based on observation, ridding medicine of too many remedies that contaminate it. Thus Clerc returns to Hippocrates' opinions on air and climate, and their influence on disease. The second volume has a more practical aspect and abounds with clinical examples and remedies, often very simple, such as milk. The final chapters concern particular themes such as poisons, diseases in Brazil and diseases in animals, particularly horned beasts.

First edition. Tchemerzine V-829
Contemporary glazed blonde marbled calf. Spine with raised bands, decorated. Red morocco title label. Speckled edges. Upper headcap worn.
The work, besides new letters from Mme de Sévigné to Président Moulceau, contains several letters to the same from Corbinelli and Mme de Grignan; it includes a reprint of the correspondence regarding the Fouquet trial, composed of 11 letters. The preface has been attributed to La Harpe.