B. Faujas de Saint-Fond - Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. de Montgolfier - 1783

First and important work on aerostation.

Very rare copy of the original edition of 1783, very complete of the 9 famous boards in first print.

First book on the aerostatic experience of the Montgolfier brothers of September 1, 1783. It brings together several memoirs recounting the first balloon flights (Sur le gaz inflammable, Observations faites par M. Jeaurat, Du caoutchoux, Relations des premiers vols à Annonay, au Champ de Mars...)

Contains the supplement on the experience of the Château de la Muette of November 21, 1783, in continuous pagination. This new flight is the first free balloon air trip, made by Pilâtre de Rozier, with a 25-minute flyover of Paris and an altitude of one thousand meters.

Faujas de Saint-Fond, a naturalist and geologist, financially supported the research of the Montgolfier brothers, papermakers, based on Cavendish's experiments and Pristley's work on warm air. They flew two balloons to Annonay, the second with farm animals, using bags filled with hot air.

One octavo volume of 299pp. 1f. ; 2f. (supp.), 9 pl. ; complete.

Period marbled full sheepskin binding. Adorned ribbed spine, title label and gilded fleurons within the compartments. Chiselled cuts. All red edges.

First draw of the 9 numbered boards including the board 5 placed in frontispiece.

A very nice copy. Well-preserved binding. Fresh interior, very light wetting on the edge of the board 8 (without gravity). In very good condition.