Rameau, Jean Philippe

first edition, [8], xxiv, 432 & [18 ("Supplément")], 4to (c.24 x 20cms), type-set music examples and woodcut ornaments, catalogue at end, annotations and emmendations throughout in a contemporary hand, contemporary calf, spine gilt in compartments with red-gilt lettering piece, binding worn with loss to joints, occasional browning and damp staining, wormholes 

Hirsch, i 484; RISM, p.685; Gregory and Bartlett, p. 224

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."

Rameau's Traité is the considered by many to be most important work on music theory of the eighteenth century.  In it he establishes modern theories of chords and their inversions, previously understood only as separate intervals. "Rameau was both the founder of the theory of harmony, in the modern sense of the term, and the most important French composer of the eighteenth century" (O. Strunk, Source Readings in Music History, p.564).   The volume contains a nineteenth-century attribution of the annotations to Rameau himself.  However, in our opinion they were probably added by a contemporary owner, making use of the notes in the "Supplément" at the end of the volume.   For example, the annotation on page 64 refers to page 3 of the "Supplément", which is bound (as usual) at the end.