LE GENTIL DE LA GALAISIÈRE (Guillaume). - Lot 90

Lot n° 90
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LE GENTIL DE LA GALAISIÈRE (Guillaume). - Lot 90
LE GENTIL DE LA GALAISIÈRE (Guillaume). Journey to the Seas of India, made by order of the King, on the occasion of the passage of Venus on the disc of the sun, on June 6, 1761, and on the 3rd of the same month 1769. Paris, Imprimerie royale, 1779-81. Two volumes in-4 of XVI, 707, XII pp., (1) f., 13 pl.; XVI, 844, XVI pp., (2) ff., 14 pl., contemporary marbled calf binding, royal coat of arms in the centre of the covers, spine decorated with the crowned royal cypher, red edges. First edition 27 maps and plans. Important scientific journey. In 1761, the passage of Venus on the disc of the sun was observed in 120 different places around the world by teams of scientists, all eager to be the first to determine the distance from the Sun to the Earth. The Gentile had to go to Pondicherry, but the capture of the city by the English prevented him from carrying out his mission. He resolved to wait for the next planet crossing, scheduled for June 1769, and in the meantime, made several trips from Madagascar to Manila. Part 3 contains an excellent description of the Philippines at the end of the 18th century. It also contains important observations on ancient Indian astronomical practices. Very beautiful copy with royal arms and numbers. Small stakes in the white margin of the first title. Beginning of crack at the bit of the T.1 and skilful restorations
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