Buffon's Mineral Observations, An Illustrated Work In 2 Volumes, With The Arms Of The Marquis De Verneuil

This valuable copy, intended as a sequel to the Theory of the Earth and an introduction to the History of Minerals by Count Buffon, illustrated with 16 plates of scientific instruments, was printed in Paris by the Royal Printing Office in 1774. Count Buffon, Intendant of the King's Garden, of the French Academy, and of the Academy of Sciences, etc., authored this independent work, which is highly instructive on the observation of minerals and is written in the form of memoirs. What is remarkable, in addition to the text, is that these books bear the coat of arms of the Marquis de Verneuil, a close confidant of the king who served under Louis XV and Louis XVI as Grand Cupbearer and Introducer of French Ambassadors (1720-1791). The subject matter and the beautiful engraved plates lend considerable interest to this work. The beautiful bindings in full mottled blond glazed calfskin, spines with raised bands decorated with gilt tools in the compartments, red and olive morocco titles and volume numbers, marbled edges, red edges, the gilt and well-preserved coat of arms of the "Marquis de Verneuil" stamped in the center; the theses are accompanied by finely reproduced instruments of observation...