Mabillon, Jean (1632-1707).

2 parts in one volume, folio (435 x 285mm.), [32], 460, 457*-460*, 461-648, [32]; viii, 116pp., illustration: engraved frontispiece, one folding engraved plate, 72 engravings in the text (most full-page or double-page, 8 folding), one engraved initial and 2 head-pieces,woodcut device on title-pages, a few small woodcut illustrations, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, binding: contemporary panelled calf, a few small wormholes in margins of final few leaves, upper joint cracked

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First published in 1681, this work established the study of diplomatics. Written as a refutation of Daniel Papebroch's questioning of the authenticity of several of the charters in the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the work established new principles for the study of documents, and  was well received by, amongst others, Colbert and his successor Le Tellier. At the behest of the latter, Louis XIV sent Mabillon in 1685 to Italy, where he acquired some 3000 books and manuscripts for the royal collections. The Supplementum of 1704 was written in response to the Jesuit Germon's attempt to disprove Mabillon's theories.