Oeuvres.

FRANKLIN, Benjamin.

$4,000.00

Item Number: 133908

Paris: Chez Quillau, Esprit, et l'Auteur, 1773.

First French edition of Franklin’s complete works on electricity, based on the fourth and best British edition. Quarto, two volumes bound in one, contemporary calf, illustrated with engraved frontispiece portrait of Franklin in his study and twelve full-page plates. In very good condition. Uncommon.

The first volume is devoted entirely to electricity, with the addition of several pieces not included in any previous editions. The second volume contains other scientific writings, including works on meteors, his improvements on chimneys (the "Franklin stove"), sections on population increase, inoculation, music, the "magic circles," and other topics. This edition was translated by Jacques Barbeu Dubourg, a leading philosopher and one of Franklin's closest friends in France. This copy contains the portrait of Franklin not found in all copies. Scarce, and important for its various contents. FORD 315.