13 volumes, including supplement, 4to (257 x 197 mm). Half-titles; 16 engraved plates (1 folding), 3 engraved folding maps with hand-outlining, 5 folding tables. (Spotting to vol.1 title-page, few small spots of dampstaining in vol.2 and at gutter of vol.13) Contemporary French mottled calf, spines in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, citron morocco lettering-pieces in vols.1-8, red and olive morocco lettering-pieces in vols.9-13, marbled edges (some wear to spine ends, a few splits to joints, evidence of bookplate removal, small shelf label on vol.2 spine). Provenance: Fraser Institute of Montreal (embossed stamps on titles and a few leaves).

''[A] general history of China, translated from the T'ung chien kang-mu, the shorter version of the Tzu-chih t'ung-chien of Ssu-ma Kuang, made by Chu Hsi. Published in 1777-1785. De Mailla had sent his manuscript to France in 1737'' (Lust). After the demise of the Jesuits, the publication of the manuscript, which had been in the library of the grand college of Lyon, was overseen by l'Abbe Grosier. Cordier, Sinica p.583-585; Lust 409.