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[FRANKLIN, Benjamin]. CAVALLO, Tiberius (1749-1809). The History and Practice of Aerostation, London: C. Dilly et al, 1785.
8vo (8¾ x 5½ in). Two folding engraved plates at end, inscription on titlepage. (titlepage browned and frayed at edges, the inscription faded). (Disbound, uncut, most of original rear wrapper intact). Brown morocco clamshell case. Provenance: George Morland (signature); Unidentified collector (sale, Christie's, 14 December 1984, lot 195). Wolf and Hayes, Library of Ben Franklin, no.563.
FIRST EDITION, A PRESENTATION COPY FROM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, with autograph inscription on titlepage: "To Mr. DuPont de Numours From His Obliged & Obedt Servt B. Franklin." Beneath Franklin's inscription is a second presentation inscription, probably in the hand of Pierre Samuel Dupont: "A ma chere cousin en Carolina, Auost 1799, DuPont de Nemours Souvenir du 'BonHomme Richard.'"
WHAT IS THE USE OF A NEW-BORN BABE? An influential scientific account of early flight experiments, with a provocative association. While serving as American plenipotentiary in France, Franklin took keen interest in the first balloon ascents by the brothers Montgolfier: in August 1783 he witnessed the first unmanned flight using hydrogen ("flammable air") and on 21 November was present at the first manned flight. Franklin was among the eminent scientists who signed an official certification for the Montgolfiers (Cavallo notes this on p. 50). He gave detailed accounts of the experiments in letters to Sir Joseph Banks, head of the Royal Society, who evinced little interest, though Franklin cautioned him that balloon experiments might "pave the way to some discoveries...of which at present we have no conception" (quoted in Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, p.421).
Cavallo (also active in research on electricity), describes the early balloon experiments in France and in England, speculates on the scientific principles they employ and envisions applications of the nascent science. When asked by a skeptical observer what practical use a hot-air balloon might be, Franklin famously responded "What is the use of a new-born baby?"
Franklin had presumably made the acquaintance of Pierre Samuel in France. By 1799 Pierre's son Victor Marie was a resident of Charleston, as French consul for the Carolinas and Georgia. He returned to France in the summer of 1799 to assist his family in their immigration to America, which took place in September, a month after this volume appeared.
8vo (8¾ x 5½ in). Two folding engraved plates at end, inscription on titlepage. (titlepage browned and frayed at edges, the inscription faded). (Disbound, uncut, most of original rear wrapper intact). Brown morocco clamshell case. Provenance: George Morland (signature); Unidentified collector (sale, Christie's, 14 December 1984, lot 195). Wolf and Hayes, Library of Ben Franklin, no.563.
FIRST EDITION, A PRESENTATION COPY FROM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, with autograph inscription on titlepage: "To Mr. DuPont de Numours From His Obliged & Obedt Servt B. Franklin." Beneath Franklin's inscription is a second presentation inscription, probably in the hand of Pierre Samuel Dupont: "A ma chere cousin en Carolina, Auost 1799, DuPont de Nemours Souvenir du 'BonHomme Richard.'"
WHAT IS THE USE OF A NEW-BORN BABE? An influential scientific account of early flight experiments, with a provocative association. While serving as American plenipotentiary in France, Franklin took keen interest in the first balloon ascents by the brothers Montgolfier: in August 1783 he witnessed the first unmanned flight using hydrogen ("flammable air") and on 21 November was present at the first manned flight. Franklin was among the eminent scientists who signed an official certification for the Montgolfiers (Cavallo notes this on p. 50). He gave detailed accounts of the experiments in letters to Sir Joseph Banks, head of the Royal Society, who evinced little interest, though Franklin cautioned him that balloon experiments might "pave the way to some discoveries...of which at present we have no conception" (quoted in Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, p.421).
Cavallo (also active in research on electricity), describes the early balloon experiments in France and in England, speculates on the scientific principles they employ and envisions applications of the nascent science. When asked by a skeptical observer what practical use a hot-air balloon might be, Franklin famously responded "What is the use of a new-born baby?"
Franklin had presumably made the acquaintance of Pierre Samuel in France. By 1799 Pierre's son Victor Marie was a resident of Charleston, as French consul for the Carolinas and Georgia. He returned to France in the summer of 1799 to assist his family in their immigration to America, which took place in September, a month after this volume appeared.