CLASSIC WORK ON ENGINEERING

BELIDOR, (BERNARD FOREST de).

Architecture Hydraulique, ou L'Art de conduire, d'elever, et de menager les Eaux pour les differents Besoins de la Vie. 2 Vols. in 4 Parts. (Vol. I:1-2 - Vol. II:1-2).

Paris, Jombert, 1737-53.

4to. Bound in 4 uniform contemporary full sprinckled calf. Tome-and title-labels in leather on backs. Five raised bands and richly gilt compartments. Some wear to spine ends. Small cracks in leather at hinges along upper and lower compartment at three volumes. Corners bumped. Some minor scratches to covers. A little rubbed. Engraved portrait, 2 engraved frontispieces, 3 engraved title-vignettes. (8), XII, (4), 412; (6), XIV, (2), 412, (32); (8), 480, (40); VIII, 423, (1), XXVIII pp. and 219 (44+60+60+55) folded engraved plates. 3 plates a bit frayed in outer margin. A few scattered brownspots, but clean, with broad margins and printed on good paper.

First edition of this pioneering work, a classic of engineering, which constitutes practically the first scientific text-books on engineering and the first to apply integral calculus to technical and practical problems. It became the international standard-work for nearly 100 years and proved invaluable to architects, builders and engineers as it covers engineering mechanics, civil construction, mills and waterwheels, pumps, harbours and sea work etc. According to Rosenthal (Litt. d. Technologie, p. 209) the work was reprinted 12 times and thus with the best impressions of the plates (the first edition) - "Un tresor de recherches et de machines que l'Histoire de l'Hydraulique doit toujours annonce et célébrer." (Montucla). - Poggendorff I:138 - Brunet I:740.

Order-nr.: 36129