Larderel, François Jacques, comte de.

presentation copy, inscribed by the author to his brother-in-law, folio (604 x 417mm.), lithographed title, portrait of the author on india paper after Desmaisons, and 25 tinted plates and views, publisher's roan-backed blindstamped cloth boards, upper cover with 'Album' stamped in gilt, one paper guard with tear, some spotting and dust-soiling (mostly marginal), spine rather rubbed

L. Robichon, brother-in-law of the author

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."

A record of the comte de Larderel's factory for the mining and manufacture of boric acid at Montecerboli in Tuscany. In 1827 François de Larderel, a Frenchman, invented a way of extracting boric acid from the volcanic mud by using steam to heat cauldrons to separate the two. Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany was an enthusiastic supporter of Larderel's scheme and awarded him the title of Count of Montecerboli a decade later. The village of Larderello was created to house those working in the factory. The plates include fine lithographed topographical views in addition to illustrations of working factories and the palace of the comte de Larderel. In 1911 the world's first geothermal power station was built at Larderello and today the area produces 10% of the world's entire supply of geothermal electricity.