FLEURIEU, VOYAGE FAIT POUR ORDRE DU ROI EN 1768 ET 1769, 1773, 2 VOLUMES

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 4to (257 x 192mm.), 5 engraved folding maps, one engraved plate, 5 folding tables, contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt, red edges, minor staining, slight wear to binding

Jose Jorge Ribeiro, bookplate; with manuscript letters and notes in Spanish and Portuguese, one addressed to Senor Jose Jorge; Mo. Deguibers?, signature to each title

Sabin 24750

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."

FINE COPY OF A RARE WORK about the longitude race. Ferdinand Berthoud, Pierre Le Roy and John Harrison were all competing to obtain the best marine chronometer. Fleurieu was an essential part of the sea campaign to test Berthoud's first marine chronometer. This was the French attempt to overtake Britain in the race to find the best way to calculate longitude. Fleurieu and Berthoud set out on a testing expedition from 1768 to 1769 on the frigate Isis under Fleurieu's command. The chronometers almost invariably indicated the hour as accurately after the ship had left port, as if they were still on land. Knowing the actual local time at each present location by astronomy, they could easily determine the ship's exact position and longitude on a chart. Using Berthoud's chronometer Fleurieu was able for the first time to calculate accurate positions of the ports they visited. The results of their observations was published in this work.