PERRAULT, RECUEIL DE PLUSIEURS MACHINES, PARIS, 1700

FIRST EDITION, 4to (234 x 177mm.), woodcut device on title, engraved headpieces, woodcut initials, 11 folding engraved plates, contemporary calf gilt, modern folding cloth box, title with small loss at gutter, minor worming, slight browning and staining, binding rebacked with new endpapers, repaired and varnished

Library of the Benedictine monks of San Benigno, Genoa, inscribed: Ad usum D. Anselmi de Franceschi Mon[a]chi Cas[sinens]is S. Benigni Genuae; bought from Librairie Alain Brieux, Paris, 1988

Tomash & Williams P46; Cicognara 948

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

This work is put together by the author's brother, Charles Perrault, who was an assistant to Colbert. Perrault was one of the founding members of the Academie des sciences in 1666, probably through Colbert's influence. The machines described in this work include a mechanism for anchor cables, for rotating a telescope, and a water clock.