![RAUCH, François Antoine Rauch (1762-1837). Harmonie hydro-végétale et météorologique: ou recherches sur les moyens de recréer avec nos forêts la force des températures et la régularité des saisons par des plantations raisonnées. Paris: Chez les frères Levrault, An X [1802].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2016/NYR/2016_NYR_12262_0065_000(rauch_francois_antoine_rauch_harmonie_hydro-vegetale_et_meteorologique101642).jpg?w=1)
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RAUCH, François Antoine Rauch (1762-1837). Harmonie hydro-végétale et météorologique: ou recherches sur les moyens de recréer avec nos forêts la force des températures et la régularité des saisons par des plantations raisonnées. Paris: Chez les frères Levrault, An X [1802].
Dedication copy of the first edition in a presentation binding to Napoleon I, the dedicatee, inscribed by the author (in the third person) on the half-title of the first volume that the author feels obliged to state that his punctuation has been considerably distorted over the course of the printing of this book: “L'auteur croit devoir observer, que sa ponctuation a été beaucoup changée et dénaturée dans le cours de l'impression.” Rauch’s work deals with the influence of forests on the climate, and suggests ways to establish a state of harmony between man and the environment. He proposes the re-afforestation of France. Very rare: no copies have appeared at auction according to ABPC in at least the past 40 years, and only three records on online auction databases.
2 volumes, 8vo (196 x 126 mm). Frontispiece in each volume engraved by Dupreel after C. Monnet. Contemporary full dark blue straight-grain morocco, with fine gilt border of intertwined laurels between two sets of double gilt fillet borders, enclosing octagonal medallion with floriated “B,” surrounded by two branches of oak-leaves, smooth spines gilt each with six ruled compartments, gilt-lettered in three, a repeated rosette in the rest, edges gilt, by Bozerian, signed at foot of spine vol. I (some minor wear to extremities, a few scuffs). Provenance: Napoleon I (binding and inscription); T. G. Parlington (engraved bookplates); H.M. French (pencil signature on title); Robert Freeman Pick (bookplates, sale, New York, sale Anderson March 7-8 1907; unknown manuscript book plate in vol. I (“The Last Political Prisoners Unconditionally Released by the United States of America December 22 1923 [followed by lines from the Tempest]”). Not in Pritzel.
"Concerned with the disastrous effects of deforestration, which not only affected the agriculture and scenery of the countryside, but also the whole ecological balance of crops, flora and fauna, and human interaction with the ecological system, Rauch discussed the interrelationships between climate, terrain and vegetation, and suggested ways to establish a state of harmony between man and the the environment. He included topics such as the ecological balance found in mountain regions, and suggested in the final chapter, that a ministerial department "of the interior" be set up in order to monitor ecological issues and supervise relevant matters at a local level.
Rauch espoused many ideas to achieve such a 'harmony', including plans for monumental avenues flanked by grand trees and country roads edged by fruit trees. He was also particularly concerned with cemeteries and graves, believing that the dead would rest easier in a 'natural' environment and recommended burial in "natural" places." --Jeremy Norman's HistoryofInformation.com).
Dedication copy of the first edition in a presentation binding to Napoleon I, the dedicatee, inscribed by the author (in the third person) on the half-title of the first volume that the author feels obliged to state that his punctuation has been considerably distorted over the course of the printing of this book: “L'auteur croit devoir observer, que sa ponctuation a été beaucoup changée et dénaturée dans le cours de l'impression.” Rauch’s work deals with the influence of forests on the climate, and suggests ways to establish a state of harmony between man and the environment. He proposes the re-afforestation of France. Very rare: no copies have appeared at auction according to ABPC in at least the past 40 years, and only three records on online auction databases.
2 volumes, 8vo (196 x 126 mm). Frontispiece in each volume engraved by Dupreel after C. Monnet. Contemporary full dark blue straight-grain morocco, with fine gilt border of intertwined laurels between two sets of double gilt fillet borders, enclosing octagonal medallion with floriated “B,” surrounded by two branches of oak-leaves, smooth spines gilt each with six ruled compartments, gilt-lettered in three, a repeated rosette in the rest, edges gilt, by Bozerian, signed at foot of spine vol. I (some minor wear to extremities, a few scuffs). Provenance: Napoleon I (binding and inscription); T. G. Parlington (engraved bookplates); H.M. French (pencil signature on title); Robert Freeman Pick (bookplates, sale, New York, sale Anderson March 7-8 1907; unknown manuscript book plate in vol. I (“The Last Political Prisoners Unconditionally Released by the United States of America December 22 1923 [followed by lines from the Tempest]”). Not in Pritzel.
"Concerned with the disastrous effects of deforestration, which not only affected the agriculture and scenery of the countryside, but also the whole ecological balance of crops, flora and fauna, and human interaction with the ecological system, Rauch discussed the interrelationships between climate, terrain and vegetation, and suggested ways to establish a state of harmony between man and the the environment. He included topics such as the ecological balance found in mountain regions, and suggested in the final chapter, that a ministerial department "of the interior" be set up in order to monitor ecological issues and supervise relevant matters at a local level.
Rauch espoused many ideas to achieve such a 'harmony', including plans for monumental avenues flanked by grand trees and country roads edged by fruit trees. He was also particularly concerned with cemeteries and graves, believing that the dead would rest easier in a 'natural' environment and recommended burial in "natural" places." --Jeremy Norman's HistoryofInformation.com).