Exposition du Systeme du Monde.
Paris: Cercle-Social, 1796.
2 volumes. 314, [4]; 312, [4] pages. 8vo, early marbled boards with paper spine labels (bindings well-worn but very firm; uniform light foxing throughout). Paris: Imprimerie du Cercle-Social, An IV [1796]. First edition. Extremely rare. A very good(+) copy.
"One of the most successful popularizations of science ever composed." -DSB. An accompaniment to the author's lectures on calculus, mechanics, and astronomy. Contains sections on observable astronomical phenomena, real motion of planets, satellites and comets, a summarization of his work in gravitational mechanics, and a survey of the history of astronomy. "An elegant, non-mathematical classic on astronomy. It is in this work that Laplace introduced one of his most notable contributions (although he himself did not take it very seriously at first) -- the so-called nebular hypothesis, which provided a conjectural account of the origin of the solar system," which exercised powerful influence on scientific thought throughout the 19th century. PMM 252.
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good(+)
Edition: First
Language: French
Price: $2,500.00
Item #154868