Lot 1225 (P. L. M. de Maupertuis). Lettre sur la comete. Mit …

Lettre sur la comete. Mit gestochenem Frontispiz. (Paris), 1742. 3 Bll. (von 4, Titelbl. fehlend), 111 S. Kl.-8°. Moderner, marmorierter Kt.

Astronomie

Naturwissenschaften – Graesse, IV, 448. Barbier II, 1207. Brunet, III, 1543. Houzeau-L. 5826 (Koll. abw.). Bruning 1654. Poggendorff II, 84. - Zweite Ausgabe im Jahr der Erstausgabe, um das Frontispiz erweitert. - Der in diesem Brief behandelte Komet wurde am 2. März 1742 in der Pariser Sternwarte beobachtet. Der Autor erklärt hier das Newtonsche System und spekuliert, dass sich einige Kometen aus Gold und Silber zusammen setzen. Voltaire ironisierte diese These in seiner Diatribe vom Doktor Akakia. Der Legende nach liess Friedrich der Grosse alle Kopien der Schrift vor den Augen Voltaires verbrennen, da er um die Integrität Maupertuis fürchtete. - Vorsätze erneuert. Erstes weißes Bl. und Vortitel mit zeitgen. hs. Beistzeintrag. Titelbl. fehlend. Etwas fleckig. Im weißen Rand teils etwas wurmspurig.

Natural Sciences – Astronomy - With engraved frontispiece. Modern marbled hardcover. - Second edition in the year of the first edition, enlarged with the frontispiece. - The comet discussed in this letter was observed at the Paris Observatory on 2 March 1742. Here the author explains Newton's system and speculates that some comets are composed of gold and silver. Voltaire ironised this thesis in his Diatribe of Doctor Akakia. Legend has it that Frederick the Great had all copies of the manuscript burnt before Voltaire's eyes because he feared for Maupertui's integrity. - Title page missing. Endpapers renewed. First white leaf and half title with contemporary ownership inscription. Somewhat stained. Some worming in the white margin.

Startprice: 240 €
Estimate: 360 €

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