SOLAR DIALS - "La gnomonique pratique, ou l'art de tracer le - Lot 333

SOLAR DIALS - "La gnomonique pratique, ou l'art de tracer les cadrans solaires avec la plus grande précision, par les meilleurs méthodes, mises à la portée de tout le monde. Avec Des Observations sur la manière de régler les Horloges" by Dom François BEDOS DE CELLES (1709-1779, Benedictine scholar), chez Alexandre Jombert Jeune, Libraire à Paris, 1780, In 8 (12,5x19,7cm), xl, 510p - New edition (the original seems to have appeared in 1755) illustrated with a frontispiece by Gazot, engraved by Maniere, and 38 folding plates at the end of the volume engraved by Meunier, depicting different types of sundials, with instructions on how to build them - This copy lacks the large folding map of France drawn by Bonne - Bound in full marbled contemporary basane, ornate ribbed spine with red morocco title-piece (headband missing, corners dull, head split, boards rubbed and scratched) - Working copy in used, handled condition, which has "lived through", a wet patch at the bottom of the work has left traces that fade as the pages turn - Despite average condition and the missing map, this copy remains attractive with its 38 fold-out engraved plates.