Bidspirit auction | [SCIENCE AND MEDICINE] - [Important

[SCIENCE AND MEDICINE] - [Important Nineteenth-Century Scientific Set – Avogadro, Cauchy, Legendre, Monge – 1810 – 1841] - “Set of Nineteenth-Century Scientific and Mathematical Treatises” [Various places, various publishers], 1810–1841. 11 vols. A remarkable and coherent set of nineteenth-century scientific and mathematical works, including first editions of major treatises by Avogadro, Cauchy, Legendre, and Prony, together with Monge’s influential Géométrie descriptive. The first component is the first edition of Avogadro’s magnum opus, containing the first formulation of his celebrated hypothesis that equal volumes of gas contain equal numbers of molecules—later known as Avogadro’s number. First proposed in 1811, the theory was initially overlooked due to linguistic and geographical factors, yet proved fundamental in distinguishing atoms from molecules and shaping modern chemistry. The set also includes a rare Italian scientific journal disseminating the theories of Cauchy, with translations of key works such as Sulla meccanica celeste, as well as the first publication of Cauchy’s equation, establishing the relationship between wavelength and refractive index, issued in parts within his Nouveaux Exercices de Mathématiques (1835–1836). Legendre’s rare first edition of the Traité des fonctions elliptiques, complete with its three supplements (1828–1832), represents a cornerstone in the theory of elliptic functions and integrals, confirming his status as the leading specialist in the field. Monge’s Géométrie descriptive (fifth edition) reflects the foundational development of descriptive geometry as a rigorous discipline, rapidly adopted in scientific and technical education across Europe. Prony’s Mécanique analytique, here in first edition, is an apparently unfinished but scarce work on analytical mechanics, rarely found complete. 11 vols, comprising: Avogadro, 4 vols, 8vo, 18 folding plates; Opuscoli, 2 vols in one, 4to; Cauchy, 4to with numerous tables; Legendre, 3 vols, 4to, 4 folding plates (lacking Euler portrait in vol. II); Monge, 4to, 28 folding plates; Prony, 4to, 4 folding plates. Scattered foxing, light toning, occasional dampstaining. Contemporary half and full vellum bindings, uniformly executed, with gilt-decorated spines and morocco labels. A refined and highly attractive set illustrating the development of modern mathematical and physical science. Norman 89; Honeyman 168 (Avogadro). •⁠⁠⁠> This lot is located in and ships from the UK. No export license is required for values under £65,000; above this threshold, a UK export license will be needed. Import duties and taxes in the destination country are the buyer's responsibility.