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216 - ROBERTSON (Étienne-Gaspard). Mémoires récréatifs scientifiqu…
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Estimate €500 - €600
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Description
ROBERTSON (Étienne-Gaspard). Mémoires récréatifs scientifiques et anecdotiques. Paris, chez l'auteur, 1831-1833. 2 volumes in-8, fawn half calf, smooth spine decorated, cover of first volume (Modern binding). Rare and sought-after first edition, illustrated with 9 copper-engraved plates. Étienne-Gaspard Robert, known as Robertson (1763-1837) developed a passion for aerostation at an early age. Born in Liège, he moved to Paris in 1795, where he distinguished himself by offering the government an Archimedes mirror with an adjustable focus designed to set fire to the English fleet, an invention that was approved by the members of the Institute but never put into practice. Robertson quickly became a celebrity in Romantic Paris thanks to his balloon ascents, and above all thanks to the phantasmagoria practice he had set up in the former Capucines convent on rue de la Paix, where he made spectres appear in curious physics shows that prefigured cinema. A washed copy in a modern binding. The printed covers of the first volume have been preserved. Caillet, n°9495 - Fechner, 485.
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About the sale Antiquarian books from the 15th to the 19th century - Astronomy
Auction location
Auction time 06/24/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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