From the Library of Sydney Ross

Laplace, P[ierre] S[imon]

Traite de Mecanique Celeste [ Four volumes of Five, mixed editions ]

Paris: Various 1799-1805. Four volumes (of five), mixed editions. 4to., Vol 1: [v]-xxx + [xxxii] (errata) + [3]-368 pp.; Vol 2: [iii]-xviii + [1]-382 pp; Vol 3: [vii]-xxiv + [1]-303 + [304] (errata) + [1]-24 pp; Vol 4: [v]-xl + [1]-347 + [348] (errata) + [3]-65 + [blank] + [folded plate] + [1]-76 + [77] (errata) pp. [Volume I] Paris: De L'Imprimerie de Crapelet...:1799 [AN VII]. Rebound in modern half tan linen and brown cloth; red morocco spine label gilt; ex-library ticket to pastedown; modern flyleaves; half-title lightly soiled and lower corner extended; cellotape repair to lower fore-edge of title leaf; minor edge tear to pp. [v]-vi; with leaves watermarked "mecanique celeste." [Volume II] Paris: Bachelier, Successeur... Courcier, 1829; [Volume III] Paris: De L'Imprimerie de Crapelet... 1802; [Volume IV] Paris: Chez Courcier..., 1805. Volumes II, III & IV bound in 19th c. half-roan and marbled paper boards; boards lightly worn, especially at tips; Volume III morocco spine labels detached or becoming so; ex-library tickets to pastedowns of Volumes III & IV; Volumes II, III & IV lack half-titles, else complete and clean throughout. Volumes I is first edition, first state; volumes III and IV are first editions. Volume II is a second edition. Folded plate to volume IV with fourteen math models. Good. Boards. [20207]


One of the great books of modern science; Laplace first used the term "Mecanique Celeste" (celestial mechanics) to describe his work. In its sophisticated application of mathematics, Laplace's project successfully explains the solar system's permanent equilibrium, despite the appearance of irregular forces, without reference to God. Laplace's "self-regulating" universe represented an enormous achievement in the creation of the modern mind. From the library of chemist and science historian Sydney Ross. Horblit 63; PMM 252.

ITEM SOLD