Chevreul, Michel Eugène

2 volumes, text volume 8vo (210 x 125mm.) and plate volume 4to (268 x 205mm.), 2 folding letterpress tables, atlas volume with plates numbered 1-40 (some folding, some pasted together, many hand-coloured, some printed on black, coloured plates signed by Chevreul at foot), with 9 sheets of the same letterpress text on different coloured paper, near-contemporary green calf-backed embossed green cloth, flat spines gilt, text volume browned, Chevreul's signature cropped on some plates, spine of text volume faded

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 EDITION of Chevreul's treatise on colour contrast, based on his lectures at the tapestry works Les Gobelins in 1836 and 1838, where he was trying to improve the colour fastness of wool dyes. His theories influenced the work of painters such as Eugène Delacroix and Georges Seurat.