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a book with a drawing of two different types of objectsan old book that is sitting on a white surfacean old book with writing on it sitting on a tablean old brown book sitting on top of a table next to a white backgroundan old book with a drawing of a woman sitting at a tablethree books stacked on top of each other on a tablean old book with a drawing of a machine and other thingsa red book sitting on top of a white tablean open book with a drawing of a vase on it
KÂ- MONDO / KAPANDJI MORHANGE

221 - ‎[PONCELET, Polycarpe]. ‎The Chemistry of Taste and Smell.
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Estimate €200 - €300
Sale commission
Description
‎[PONCELET, Polycarpe]. ‎The Chemistry of Taste and Smell. Paris, printed by P.G. Le Mercier, 1755. In-12 (18 x 11.5 cm), marbled calfskin, ribbed spine decorated with floral and gilt panels. Red edges. XXVI–390 pp. 1f. unnumbered (privilegium) Scuffs to the binding; a section of the top cap is missing. Water stains on the margins of the title page, frontispiece and the first few leaves of the book (up to plate II, p. 50). Handwritten ex-libris on the title page. A very rare first edition. A work on distillation (flowers, liqueurs, wines, infusions, syrups, perfumes) by Father Poncelet, a Recollect monk and renowned agronomist from Verdun. His treatise on liqueurs is very comprehensive, featuring articles on wine, spirits, coffee, condiments, the fruits used, plants for making elixirs, fruit wines, as well as perfumes and essential oils. It contains a very large number of practical recipes. A preliminary essay comparing ‘musical sound’ with ‘delicious flavour’. Includes a supplement in the form of a dictionary of technical terms (p. 309). A complete copy featuring the frontispiece engraved by Audran and the six separate plates, engraved in intaglio, depicting stills, filtration and fermentation.
See original version (French)
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About the sale Collectors’ books for sale – First editions – Illustrated editions – Varia IV
Auction location
Auction time 11/02/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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