BÉLIDOR (Bernard Forest de): Nouveau cours de mathématique à - Lot 265

BÉLIDOR (Bernard Forest de): Nouveau cours de mathématique à l'usage de l'artillerie et du génie (...). Paris, Jombert, 1725. One volume. 19.5 by 25.5 cm. (24)-560-(32) pages. 34 folding plates (complete). Contemporary full calf, 5-rib spine, ornate boards, red title page. A small stain on the 1st plate, top cover worn, small blemishes on the edges, but despite this a very decent copy. Title page slightly soiled, small light marginal wetness on part of the book, otherwise good condition inside. First edition of one of the most important and influential treatises on artillery in the 18th century. This work helped establish its author's reputation. Dedicated to the Duc du Maine, it was published at the request of Angervilliers, Minister of War. Here, Bélidor has extracted from general mathematical treatises what can be useful to those who make use of the Artillery and the Engineers, i.e. notions of geometry, trigonometry, levelling for simple and compound operations, ordinary calculation of toisé and carpentry, measurement of solids, geodesy, the compass of proportion and its usefulness, mechanics and hydraulics. A comprehensive set of practical mathematics. Illustrations include a vignette at the head with the dedicatee's coat of arms, an allegorical vignette at the head of the work and 34 folding plates engraved in intaglio with diagrams illuminating the author's theoretical developments. Copy complete with two errata pages, preceded by the "Remarque". La géométrie, la trigonométrie... au service de l'artillerie.