GALLON, Jean-Gaffin (1706-1775, editor). Machines et inventions approuvées par l'Académie royale des sciences depuis son établissement jusqu'à present; avec leur description. Paris: Gabriel Martin, Jean-Baptiste Coignard, Hippolyte-Louis Guerin [vol. VI: Antoine Boudet], 1735.

Volumes I-VI (of 7), 4to (245 x 186mm). Half-titles, titles in red and black with varying culs-de-lampe. 431 folding engraved plates by Herisset and Dheulland including bis plates 105, 177 and 329, one plate jointly numbered 197 & 198. (Some occasional marginal spotting and soiling.) Contemporary mottled French calf gilt, covers with unidentified gilt arms, edges gilt (some wear to spine ends, joints and extremities). Provenance: Harrison D. Horblit (bookplates).

"L'ensemble de la collection a une belle unité et témoigne de l'imagination des inventeurs ainsi que de l'excellence des graveurs" (Dictionnaire des journaux 1600-1789, no. 0856). The inventors, only some of whom were academicians, included Godin and Outhier who were involved in the expedition to measure the arc of the meridian (putting their instruments to use there), Dortous de Mairan, Cassini, Clairaut le père, l'abbé Nollet, Huygens, Perrault and many others.The first six volumes cover the period 1666-1734. The seventh, volume, covering 1735-1754, was only published in 1777. Brunet I, 28; Cicognara 917.