LEGROS, ESSAY DE LONGIMETRIE, 1690, MANUSCRIPT

4to (235 x 180mm.), c.100 pages, written in one scribal hand, diagrams, 14 pen, ink and wash drawings, contemporary calf, later morocco-backed chemise and slipcase, binding somewhat worn

Robert B. Honeyman (1897-1987), booklabel, sale in these rooms, 2 May 1979, lot 1212, £40, Historical Technology; bought from Historical Technology, 1987

Tomash & Williams L62

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."

Legros is identified as “Professor en Mathematiques rue Hurpoix au bout du Quay des Grands Augustins”. The main part of the manuscript is on longimetry, or surveying, and there is also a section on the use of Napier’s bones. A comparable manuscript, titled “Essay de longimetrie”, by “Legros, escrivain et professeur en mathématiques”, commencing “La science qui apprend à mesurer les lieux accessibles…” and concluding “… un acte affirmatif de ce que dessus”, undated, also illustrated with wash drawings, is in the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Ms Français 2054.