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an open book with a title on it sitting on a tablean old book sitting on top of a white table next to a cup of coffeean old book with a marbled cover on a white surfacean open book with writing on it sitting on top of a tablean open book with a black and white title on itan open book with a page in it sitting on a tablean old book with a red cover with black and white designsan old book sitting on top of a table next to a white wallan old book that is sitting on a table
Hermitage Fine Art

826 - POLYCARPE PONCELET (c. 1720–1780)
See original version (French)

Estimate €140 - €180
Sale commission
Description
POLYCARPE PONCELET (c. 1720–1780) NEW CHEMISTRY OF TASTE AND SMELL OR THE ART OF EASILY AND INEXPENSIVELY COMPOSING LIQUEURS AND PERFUMED WATERS NEW EDITION, YEAR VIII [1799] VOLUME ONE. IN FRENCH. Paris, Delalain fils, Year VIII [1799] In-8, bound, 251 pp., full marbled calfskin of the period. New edition, entirely revised, considerably expanded and enriched with a new method for producing fine liqueurs without brandy, wine or wine spirit proper; several interesting essays and a series of physiological observations on the immoderate consumption of strong liqueurs. 20.3 x 13.1 x 2.7 cm Binding worn, with scuffs and stains; spine and cap ends faded and rubbed; joints split; foxing; soiling. Father Polycarpe Poncelet, of the Order of the Récollets, was a French monk and agronomist with a passion for chemistry. In 1755, he set out to apply the rules of harmonic proportion in sound to ‘flavours’. He laid the foundations for a ‘music of flavours’ in his work *Chimie du goût et de l’odorat, ou Principes pour composer facilement et à peu de frais les liqueurs à boire et les eaux de senteurs* (*The Chemistry of Taste and Smell, or Principles for Easily and Inexpensively Compounding Liqueurs and Perfumed Waters*). He is also the author of ‘The Natural History of Wheat’, published in 1779. He devoted much of his life to the study of the natural sciences. At the buyer’s request, we shall be happy to provide a general report on the condition of the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise potential buyers to carry out their own inspection or to consult a specialist of their choice to obtain a full assessment of the lot’s condition. Descriptions of items provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION REGARDING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.
See original version (French)
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About the sale RARE BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS: Antique books § Autographs, rare editions, photographs § Works on paper
Auction location
Auction time 10/29/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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