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an old book sitting on top of a table next to a white wallan old book with a black and white image of the title of a poeman open book with a picture of a bird on it
Premium Maître Paul PASTAUD

608 - [ROUILLÉ D’ORFEUIL (Augustin or Gaspard-Louis)]. *L'Alambic …
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Estimate €1,400 - €1,500
Sale commission
Description
[ROUILLÉ D’ORFEUIL (Augustin or Gaspard-Louis)]. *L'Alambic des loix*, or *Observations by the Friend of the French on Man and the Laws*. Hispaan [= Paris], 1773. In-8, xvj pp., pp. 17–477, [3] pp. of errata, red morocco, plain decorated spine, fawn-coloured title labels, triple gilt fillet framing with corner fleurons on the covers, gilt edges, royal blue tabis endpapers (contemporary binding). First edition on large-format paper and the only edition of this extensive programme of reforms drawn up at the heart of the administrative machinery of the Ancien Régime. Attribution to Augustin Rouillé d’Orfeuil, an obscure colonel in the Dragoons, seems certain according to the BNF and the INED. Others suggest it was Gaspard-Louis, Intendant of Champagne and a close associate of the Physiocrats (Prevost de Lavaud). Neither the BNF copy nor that in the Kress Collection contains the preface. (Quérard VIII, 183. INED 3936.) Ex-libris label belonging to the Marquis de Civille. Probably Léon Poret de Civille (1779–1857). A fine copy, very rare in this condition.
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About the sale MONTIGNAC – 31st BOOK SALE – Day 2 of 4 – Nos. 550 to 1084
Auction location
Auction time 08/20/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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