MAIRAN (Jean-Jacques Dortous de) Dissertation... Lot 46

MAIRAN (Jean-Jacques Dortous de) Dissertation on ice, or physical explanation of the formation of ice & its various phenomena. Paris, Imprimerie Royale, 1749; in-12, marbled calf, three gilt fillets framing the boards, smooth spine decorated with gilt arms and motifs, gilt edges, [contemporary binding], spines split, corners rubbed. xxix, [9], 384, xx p. Third edition, the first illustrated: frontispiece and 5 plates out of text engraved on copper. It is "the best" according to Michaud; it is more than doubled in size. The preface, in the original edition, takes up the author's speech at the Académie des Sciences in 1748. The first, Dortous de Mairan proved that salt accelerated the melting of ice. Interesting copy enriched with an autograph letter signed by the author: "To Madame Hocquet, from her very humble servant. Autographs sent before the 19th century are very rare. The arms on the back of the binding alternate lions and knurls. Honeyman, 2113.