Recueil d’ouvrages curieux de mathematique et de mecanique, ou Description du Cabinet de monsieur Grollier de Servière. Avec des figures en taille douce [...].

4to: [28]-101-[10] pp. (first 3 ff. marginally dampstained).

Contemp. sheep, gilt spine with 4 raised bands (rubbed).

Original ed. of a description of the important collection of mechanical instruments formed by the author’s grandfather Nicolas Grollier de Servières (1583-1686). He himself carried out very learned models and mechanical machines, as well as ivory tower pieces of infinite complexity, clocks and other hydraulic devices. His designs include several curious clocks powered by the weight of the clock itself descending on an inclined plane, or by an Archimedean screw with a hidden source of power. The first part contains lathe work, the second art and hourglass, the third models of machines. The work includes descriptions and illustrations of mechanical toys, clocks, hydraulic devices, lifting apparatus, pontoon bridges, paddle boats, siege equipment, lamps, or a reading-desk. 85 engr. plates after E.-J. Daudet and Duflos (some folding), numbered 1-38, 40-47, 49-75, 77-88, pl. 39, 48, 76 do not exist, as explained on pp. 40, 48, 78. Engr. and woodcut headpieces. Title printed in red and black.
Ref. Conlon (Lumières) 19:409. - Honeyman 1560.