(Newtoniana) — Voltaire | Elémens de la philosophie de Neuton, Amsterdam, 1738, first edition

(Newtoniana) — Voltaire

Elémens de la philosophie de Neuton, mis à la portée de tout le monde. Amsterdam: Etienne Ledet & Compagnie, 1738

First edition of this French scientific treatise popularizing Sir Isaac Newton's theories by explaining them in layman's terms, co-authored by Voltaire and Émilie du Châtelet, his intellectual and romantic partner.

8vo (190 x 120 mm). Half title, engraved frontispiece, plates, titlepage vignette, figures in-text, head and tailpieces; occasional light spotting mostly affecting front and rear, lacking the portrait of Voltaire, tear and small loss to leaf A3, leaf F8 sprung. Contemporary quarter mottled calf gilt, marbled paper boards, edges stained red; worn, with losses to spine, hinges cracked.



PROVENANCE:

J. W. Hattingen (ownership signature dated 1822) — Robert S. Dunham (ownership signature; Sotheby's, December 11, 1993, lot 738)

REFERENCES:

Babson #120