Leçons de physique expérimentale.

New edition, the volumes comprising three different editions (1749, 1753 and 1764), as is very often the case for this work when it is in a uniform binding, with editions and reprints spread over time. Illustrated with a frontispiece and 116 folding plates; particularly appreciated illustrations, especially astronomy plates.

End-of-18th century half calf binding. Spines richly decorated in gilt. First volume with a 2 cm split at the upper edge. A tear with missing spine-end on volume 2. Worm damage to tail of volume 3. Title pages of volumes 2 to 6 with two pieces of paper pasted, probably to conceal stamps. Page 102 of volume V cut at the bottom of the page (not affecting the text). A good copy, particularly fresh and attractively decorated.

Along with Le Spectacle de la nature, Leçons de physique expérimentale is undoubtedly the most famous work of scientific popularization of the French monarchy; both works are evidence of public interest in science and its achievements in the second half of the 18th century. The first three volumes are about mechanics, hydrostatics and the properties of air, the fourth water and fire, the fifth light and optics, and the last astronomy, magnetism and electricity. In each of these fields, Nollet describes numerous physics experiments.