1756 Grammaire des Sciences Philosophiques — Vellum-Bound Scientific Encyclopaedia with Newtonian & Copernican Fold-Out Plates

2025-11-13T21:56:13-05:00

Type: Sold Books
Price: 625.00

A remarkable mid-18th-century scientific encyclopaedia, bound in contemporary full vellum and complete with an exceptional collection of engraved fold-out plates documenting the scientific knowledge of the period of the Enlightenment.

Grammaire des Sciences Philosophiques (La Haye, 1756) provides a structured and comprehensive introduction of modern philosophy and the physical sciences, adapted from the influential works of English instrument-maker and scientific popularizer Benjamin Martin. This French edition became an essential gateway to Newtonian thought on the Continent, offering readers a clear, experiment-based introduction to physics, astronomy, meteorology, optics, zoology, botany, microscopy, hydrology, geology, and more.

Inside, a range of 25 plus richly engraved fold-out plates depicting:
*Newtonian physics & experimental machines (levers, pulleys, pneumatics, optical instruments)
*The Copernican solar system, planetary motions, cometary paths, and eclipses
*Astronomical tables, lunar maps, and stellar diagrams
*Meteorological studies including rainbows, halos, winds, tides, and atmospheric patterns
*Microscopic botanical engravings—roots, stems, cellular structures
*Zoological plates featuring fishes, mollusks, insects, caterpillars, and butterflies
*A world map of winds and monsoons
*Detailed density tables for solids and liquids

The vellum binding bears a blind-stamped central ornament, yapped edges, and hand-lettered spine, displaying typical toning and aging for a mid-18th-century vellum binding. An extraordinary piece for collectors of antique science, Enlightenment thought, vellum bindings, astronomy, or natural history.

Condition: Good+ to Very Good- for a 1756 vellum-bound scientific volume.
*Contemporary full vellum with blind-stamped central panel; yapped edges; some expected toning, light staining, and wear.
*Spine with some wear and chipping to lower edge; lettering still readable.
*Text block generally clean with light foxing and age-toning throughout.
*All engraved fold-out plates present and attached
*Binding holding well for age; hinges show expected early wear but remain functional and sound.
*Complete, including all preliminaries, tables, and plates.

Size: 5” x 8”

A rare and Enlightenment-era piece— vellum-bound and richly illustrated, reflecting the scientific scholarship of the Newtonian era — and excellent addition to a discerning collection