[Lacombe, Jacques] | Physical mechanical and optical amusements and conjuring tricks illustrated

[Lacombe, Jacques]

Dictionnaire encyclopédique des amusemens des sciences, mathématiques et physiques. Paris: Chez Panckouke, 1792

4to (254 x 197 mm) text volume plus atlas (279 x 203 mm). Text: Woodcut vignette on title-page, 11 woodcut text illustrations, 2 folding tables; light occasional toning, particularly in latter half of text, 7 quires moderately browned. Atlas: 86 engraved plates (2 double-folding) by Benard; light, scattered foxing to last 2 plates. Text: Contemporary cat's paw calf, the spine in 6 compartments gilt with raised bands, red and black lettering-pieces, marbled endpapers, edges stained red. Atlas: Contemporary light brown paste-paper boards, calf spine, red and black-lettering pieces; boards scuffed, joints starting, spine ends chipped.

The dictionary is compiled from the important earlier texts of Ozenam, Decremps, Pinetti and others. The plates illustrate various tricks among the physical, mechanical and optical amusements, followed by a section on fireworks, and 12 plates of conjuring tricks with cups and balls, turned wood boxes, playing cards, and other apparatus.