![FAUJAS DE SAINT-FOND, Berthélmy de (1741-1819). Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. de Montgolfier et de celles auxquelles cette découverte a donné lieu. Paris: [Chardon for] Cuchet, 1783.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2008/NYR/2008_NYR_02013_0113_000(035911).jpg?w=1)
Details
FAUJAS DE SAINT-FOND, Berthélmy de (1741-1819). Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. de Montgolfier et de celles auxquelles cette découverte a donné lieu. Paris: [Chardon for] Cuchet, 1783.
2 volumes, 8o (215 x 138 mm). 14 engraved plates including frontispiece, folding table. Contemporary marbled paper wrappers, UNCUT (spines faded, light chipping along spine and edges); quarter morocco folding case.
FIRST EDITION, second issue, with the four page supplement. "THE FIRST SERIOUS TREATISE ON AEROSTATION AS A PRACTICAL POSSIBILITY" (PMM). The year 1783 marks the beginning of the history of flight, and the present work offers THE FIRST CONTEMPORARY CHRONICLE OF THE FIRST AERIAL VOYAGE. In June of 1783, the Montgolfier brothers successfully launched a balloon over Annonay. This feat was surpassed in September when they sent up another balloon, but this time it was carrying a sheep, a cock and a duck. Even more sensational was the flight of November 21, in which Pilâtre de Rozier, accompanied by the Marquis d'Arlandes, made the first aerial voyage in history. This famous flight began at the Château de la Muette in the Bois de Bologne, and lasted for twenty-five minutes, during which time they flew for five and a half miles across Paris, and landed safely in the outskirts of the city. The experiment, which was witnessed by the Dauphin and Benjamin Franklin, was an event of the highest importance. On December 1, 1783, J.A.C. Charles made a much longer ascent in a hydrogen balloon of his own invention, and stayed aloft for two hours. The main features of modern balloon technology can be directly attributed to the design of this eminent scientist. All of these events are described in detail in these volumes. Brockett 302; Dibner Heralds of Science 179; PMM 229; Norman 769; Sparrow Milestones of Science 179; Tissandier 21. A VERY FINE, UNCUT COPY. (2)
2 volumes, 8o (215 x 138 mm). 14 engraved plates including frontispiece, folding table. Contemporary marbled paper wrappers, UNCUT (spines faded, light chipping along spine and edges); quarter morocco folding case.
FIRST EDITION, second issue, with the four page supplement. "THE FIRST SERIOUS TREATISE ON AEROSTATION AS A PRACTICAL POSSIBILITY" (PMM). The year 1783 marks the beginning of the history of flight, and the present work offers THE FIRST CONTEMPORARY CHRONICLE OF THE FIRST AERIAL VOYAGE. In June of 1783, the Montgolfier brothers successfully launched a balloon over Annonay. This feat was surpassed in September when they sent up another balloon, but this time it was carrying a sheep, a cock and a duck. Even more sensational was the flight of November 21, in which Pilâtre de Rozier, accompanied by the Marquis d'Arlandes, made the first aerial voyage in history. This famous flight began at the Château de la Muette in the Bois de Bologne, and lasted for twenty-five minutes, during which time they flew for five and a half miles across Paris, and landed safely in the outskirts of the city. The experiment, which was witnessed by the Dauphin and Benjamin Franklin, was an event of the highest importance. On December 1, 1783, J.A.C. Charles made a much longer ascent in a hydrogen balloon of his own invention, and stayed aloft for two hours. The main features of modern balloon technology can be directly attributed to the design of this eminent scientist. All of these events are described in detail in these volumes. Brockett 302; Dibner Heralds of Science 179; PMM 229; Norman 769; Sparrow Milestones of Science 179; Tissandier 21. A VERY FINE, UNCUT COPY. (2)