Recueil de Mémoires et d'Observations sur la formation & sur la fabrication du salpêtre

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.