Mémoire sur les mines flottantes et les pétards flottans, ou machines infernales maritimes

First and only edition, illustrated with a folding engraved frontispiece (see Polak 6795; not in Sabin).

Bound in bottle-green full sheep, Bradel-style binding, smooth spine ruled in gilt with double fillets, gilt date at foot, original pink paper waiting cover preserved, modern binding.

A waterstain affects the lower margin of the initial leaves, gradually fading throughout the volume.

Unique and uncommon edition (the purported 1814 edition is a bibliographical ghost).

*The plate depicts the explosion, in the roadstead of Walmer, of the Danish brig "La Dorothée".

This experiment was the work of Robert Fulton; indeed, most of this very rare memoir is dedicated to the research and discoveries of the great American scientist, who died in 1815. Jacques-Philippe Mérigon de Montgéry (1782–1839), frigate captain and member of the Naval Works Council, took part in numerous campaigns and naval battles between 1794 and 1827 (Ireland, Concarneau, South Seas, La Spezia, the Levant and Black Sea, Senegal, Guiana, the West Indies, the United States, England).

"Montgéry developed a passionate interest in steam navigation and, more broadly, in scientific and technical studies (…) As a member of the Naval Works Council, he frequently visited ports to examine various technical matters (…) A highly original mind, closely connected with Auguste Comte, Montgéry produced a substantial body of work, often demonstrating prophetic insight far ahead of the achievements of his time."

He helped popularize Robert Fulton's research in France on torpedoes and underwater explosives" (Taillemite).