PRECIS HISTORIQUE Et EXPERIMENTAL Des PHENOMENES ELECTRIQUES, Depuis L'Origine de Cette Decouverte Jusqu'a ce Jour.
Paris: 1781. 1st edition (Ronalds Catalogue, p. 475). Mottelay records the publication of this work in 1785 (the implication being it's the title's first publication, though 1785 is the year of the 2nd edition). xvi, 742, [2] pp. Printed glosses. Illustrated with 9 folding copperplate engravings, depicting the divers pieces of electrical apparatus of the day (bound, at rear, out of sequence). Head- tailpieces. 8vo: a8 A - 2Z8 3A4. 8" x 5". Bound in a period full leather of speckled calf, with elaborate gilt decorated spine. Edges stained red. Marbled eps. Bit of splay to boards. Tips show some wear. Joints starting at ends. Withal, a VG copy. Item #28362
The author,while studying for his medical degree, attended a course of public lectures given by Abbe Nollet, the tenor of which so inspired Siguad's subsequent interest in, and investigations of, experimental science at the College Louis-le-Grand. In 1760, Siguad succeeded the Abbe Nollet in his chair at Louis-le-Grand, where, along with anatomy & physiology, he continued "those courses in experimental physics that had been taught by his famous predecessor."
Siguad's "positive contributions to science were in the area of experimental technique. He is sometimes attributed with the invention of the glass insulator and the circular glass plate (to replace the glass globe) in electrical machines." This particular work written by him slanted more toward the "enlightened layman", rather than offering a rigorous technical treatise for his peers, nevertheless it does provide a significant historical summary on the subject of Electricity, as well as current thoughts of the 18th Century. [DSB].
Price: $1,250.00