Lalande - Abrégé d’ Astronomie - 1795

LALANDE, JÉRÔME. Abridged Astronomy, by Jérôme Lalande, Director of the Observatory of the Military School, and Inspector of the College of France. Second edition, enlarged. Paris: Chez Firmin Didot, L'An III [1795]. In-8. Full period mottled calf, smooth spine richly decorated with frames and gilded celestial or geometric motifs, title piece in red morocco. An era binding, solid and elegant, showing rubbing and wear of use at the headcaps, corners and joints, boards in well-preserved mottled calf. Spine gilding bright and legible, framed by Greek-key borders. Interior fresh with superb folding plates in excellent condition. A remarkable edition of great historical importance of this scientific abridgment written by Jérôme Lalande, a major figure of Enlightenment astronomy. Dated Year III of the French Republic (1795), this enlarged second edition reflects the teaching given by the author at the Collège de France and at the Observatory of the Military School. The work proves valuable for the study of the diffusion of exact sciences during the Revolution. The volume is illustrated with folding etched plates of great finesse, such as Plate II dedicated to the “Armillary Sphere,” executed by the engraver Helué, offering a detailed view of the circles and celestial motions according to the theories of the time. Fine copy.

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