Nouvelles recherches sur les découvertes microscopiques, et la génération des corps organisés. Nouvelles recherches physiques et métaphysiques sur la nature et la religion, avec une nouvelle théorie de la terre, et une mesure de la hauteur des Alpes

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.