Collection: Mathématiques et physique

Foundational Treatises and Scholarly Recreations: What Our Collection Covers

From pedagogical treatises to scientific cabinets of curiosities, the 17 pieces in this selection span a 150-year arc. For the 18th and early 19th centuries, works with fold-out plates dominate: Ozanam (1778) with its 90 plates, Gay de Vernon (Year X, descriptive geometry from the École Polytechnique) complete with its 14 plates,Traité élémentaire de physique, Haüy(EO 1803), first edition, sought after for its place in the history of science in France. The collation of these pieces is the primary criterion for value: a torn or missing plate can divide the estimate by two or three.

Our selection method, in accordance with SLAM and LILA standards, focuses on three points: condition of the plates (exhaustive count upon receipt), original or period binding (uniformity of the spine, color of the covers), and documented provenance when it exists. Regarding theNouvelle méchanique des mouvements de l’Homme et des animaux, Barthez(Year VI, 1798), the second edition (first published in 1782 under a different title) is retained for its medico-physiological interest: Barthez, a physician and physiologist born in Narbonne in 1734, applied mechanical reasoning to body movement, bringing it closer to the physics treatises of his time.

The collection shifts to the 20th century with three pieces of modern physics: Marcel Boll, L’atome source d’énergie (1945); Pierre Auger, Rayons cosmiques (1947, 6th thousand, "La Science Vivante" collection); R. Jouaust, Le Ferro-magnétisme ("Encyclopédie Scientifique" collection). These popular science works offer a snapshot of atomic physics at the very moment it transitioned into the nuclear age: Boll wrote in 1945, Auger in 1947, in the months following Hiroshima.

For mechanical arts and engineering, also see our selection ofold trade manuals; for astronomical navigation,old nautical books; for medicine and pharmacy, ourcollection of antique medical texts.

Yes, provided the copy is complete with its fold-out plates and in good binding condition. A complete Ozanam (1778) with its 90 plates or a Haüy first edition (1803) regularly reach significant estimated values. Material completeness is the primary factor, before the author's renown.

For first editions, the imprint and collation (number of volumes, foliation, list of plates at the end of the volume) are crucial. For the plates, we rely on the list provided by the publisher: Gay de Vernon (Year X) announces 14, Ozanam (1778) announces 90. Any discrepancy should be noted in the appraisal.

We are primarily looking for 18th and 19th-century physics and mathematics treatises in first edition, complete with their plates: Haüy, Ozanam, Gay de Vernon, Barthez. We are also looking for scientific encyclopedias and courses from specialized schools (Polytechnique, etc.). Pre-war atomic physics collections are also of interest to us.

We offer a free, no-obligation appraisal. Members of SLAM and LILA, we also participate in the Salon du Livre Rare in Paris. Send us photos (title page, spine, a few plates) by email or bring the book directly to Bayonne. To learn more about evaluation criteria, consult our article on antique book appraisal.