Lyon: Chez Anisson, & Posuel, 1697. Two works in one volume (with: Theorie de la Construction des Vaisseaux...; Lyon: Chez Anisson, & Posuel, 1697), as typically found. First edition. Folio. (xii), 424; (xii), 172, (2) pp. Illustrated with engraved publisher's device on each title-page, 134 engraved plates, 11 folding plates, six engraved head-pieces, six engraved initials, and three engraved tail-pieces. Full contemporary paneled brown calf, stamped in blind and in gilt, rebacked, boards and extremities scuffed and worn; top edges stained dark, other edges speckled red; armorial book-plate of Thomas Boycott, dated 1761, on front paste-down; armorial book-plate of George Tollet on verso of title-page; intermittent spotting and toning to text leaves; soiling on Bb5 and Bb6; fore-edges of folding plates at rear darkened and chipped.

First edition of "the first major work on naval tactics" (Tunstall, Naval Warfare in the Age of Sail, 1990, p. 59). 

George Tollet (ca. 1661-1719) was an Irish mathematician and naval administrator. A founding member in 1683 of the Dublin Philosophical Society, he also served as Accountant-General of Ireland, Secretary of the Excise, and in 1702, a Commissioner of the Navy. Outside of his government roles, he also served as Second Master at Westminster School from 1711-14, and was elected a Fellow in the Royal Society, in 1713, and was acquainted with Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley, as well as literary figures such as Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn.