DESPIAU, L. Select Amusements in Philosophy and Mathematics; proper for agreeably exercising the Minds of Youth, London: for G. Kearsley; Bell and Bradfute; and Brash and Reid, by W. Glendinning, 1801. 12° (177 x 106mm). 3-pages of publisher's advertisments at end. (Small ink stain on F10, title and text lightly spotted.) Contemporary calf, red lettering-pieces, flat spine gilt in compartments (extremities rubbed). FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH, translated by Charles Hutton. The first French edition was published in London in 1799 under the title Choix d' amusements physiques et mathématiques. A large collection of mathematical and physical curiosities, the work contains amongst others chapters on arithmetic ("To arrange 30 criminals in such a manner as to save 15 of them, &c."), Palingenesy ("... the art of reviving the dead and making the image of a deceased person appear in a glass jar"), and amusing secrets ("To make people in a room have a hideous appearance").