LECREULX [François Michel].
Recherches sur la Formation et l’Existence des Ruisseaux, Rivières et Torrens qui circulent sur le Globe Terrestre; avec des observations sur les principaux fleuves qui traversent la France, sur les causes des changemens qu’ils éprouvent dans leur cours, les moyens de les contenir dans leur lit, d’en tirer avantage pour la navigation…
A Paris: Chez Bernard…1804
4to, pp. xv, 407, 1 leaf (errata), and 8 folding engraved plates showing various aspects of hydraulic engineering. Half-title with additional imprint of Goeury (bookseller to the École des Ponts et Chaussées) pasted on. Contemporary German boards, spine with gilt bands and red label. Some minor foxing but a fine copy. Old library stamp on half-title (Chaussée Commission) and title (Oberbaudirector).
FIRST EDITION. Lecreulx (1734–1812) was one of the most important civil engineers in France during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He oversaw the construction of a large number of important bridges and in 1801 was appointed inspector general of bridges and roads. He took part in the planning of most of the chief public works programmes during the years of the Empire. This work is a comprehensive theoretical and practical treatise on river control. The excellent plates depict various techniques of damming, embankment, construction of locks, etc. Roberts & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 201–202: “His masterwork…”
£650.00
In stock
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