1739. [22 FIGURES AND MAPS WORLD, Skies, Microscope] PLUCHE ANTOINE-NOEL, Le spectacle de la nature ou entretiens sur les particularites de l'histoire naturelle (...).

36. PLUCHE ANTOINE-NOEL, Le spectacle de la nature ou entretiens sur les particularites de l'histoire naturelle (...).

Paris 1739, Widow Estienne, 2 k. +599 s. +1 s. +22 pl. or maps.

Beautifully illustrated with 22 engravings and maps, including a frontispiece by well-known engravers such as Cochin, Guélard, and Fillieul, a work of natural history covering a variety of subjects. Volume four of the series including consideration of world geography, the trade of Europeans in Asia, astronomy, the microscope as a new tool for research, etc. The work includes larger than book format fold-out maps, of the world, Asia, the Americas, the Mediterranean Basin. In addition, maps of the hemisphere of the sky, or the astronomical instrument that Copernicus also used, the spherical astrolabe (or armillary sphere). The treatise, written by Father Antoine-Noël Pluche (1688-1761), is an interesting compendium of Enlightenment knowledge on natural history. At the end is an index of terms and a discussion of the contents of the various engravings.

Period binding, full leather in medium condition with rubbing and loss, mainly on the corners and back cover; spine gilt and embossed with geometric-plant designs and title, but also with rubbing; interior in medium condition, occasionally stained but dry; one of the maps is taped after a minor tear; overall medium condition.