LALANNE, L., THREE WORKS BY AND ABOUT HIS INVENTIONS, 1840-53

i. Lalanne, Léon (1811-1892). Mémoire sur l'arithmoplanimètre. Paris: Carilian-Goeury and Dolmont, 1840, 8vo, two folding plates and one folding table, presentation copy ("a Monsieur Combet, homage de l'auteur Lalanne"), original blue paper wrappers, uncut [T&W L16]ii. Lalanne, Léon, and Kattner, H.J., translator. Der Abacus oder die Universal-Rechenmaschine. Frankfurt: Koscky & Co., 1853, 8vo, folding table, modern boards retaining portion of printed upper wrapper, (bought from Pickering & Chatto, 1992), [T&W L15], library markings iii. Elliot, Rev. William. A treatise of the slide rule, with description of Lalanne's glass slide rule. London: William Elliott and Sons, [?1852]. 8vo, diagrams, 6-page advertisement for instruments, original stiff wrappers, box, (bought from Michael Phelps, 1986), [T&W E6], hinges split and text-block nearly detached

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."

Lalanne was an engineer who played an important role in the development of railways in France. He also invented a number of mathematical instruments including a cone-wheel integrating machine, a slide rule incorporating glass plates, and nomograms.