SAUSSURE, Horace-Benedict de (1740-1799) - Voyages dans les Alpes précédes d'un essai sur l'histoire naturelle des environs de Geneve. Neuchatel: Louis Fauche-Borel, 1803-1804 [-1796]. Saussure's pioneering study of Mont Blanc and the Alps, with special attention given to the geology of the region, and an account of Geneva and its environs. "Saussure concluded that the dislocation, distortion, and even overturning of the alpine rocks had been caused by processes of horizontal compression, as well as by uplifting by internal explosions. He thus came close to an accurate understanding of the structure of the Alps" (DSB). He first visited Chamonix in 1760 and established a prize for the first ascent of Mont Blanc, which was achieved in 1786. Saussure reached the summit himself the following year and published Relation abregée d'un Voyage a la Cime du Mont-Blanc, the first published account of the ascent of the mountain. A mixed edition, issued in the same format by the same publisher, without the 2 tables apparently not required in this set. . 4 volumes, 4to (248 x 199mm). Half-titles, engraved vignette on titles and at head of opening chapter in volumes 1 and 2, 22 plates on 21 engraved sheets, most folding or double-page, 2 folding engraved maps (without final blank in vols. 1 and 4, some occasional light browning). Modern half calf, red and black gilt morocco spine labels. Provenance: Royal College of Surgeons (withdrawal stamp on titles) - Coleg Harlech (bookplates on front paste-down and on front free endpaper). (4)
SAUSSURE, Horace-Benedict de (1740-1799) - Voyages dans les Alpes précédes d'un essai sur l'histoire naturelle des environs de Geneve. Neuchatel: Louis Fauche-Borel, 1803-1804 [-1796]. Saussure's pioneering study of Mont Blanc and the Alps, with special attention given to the geology of the region, and an account of Geneva and its environs. "Saussure concluded that the dislocation, distortion, and even overturning of the alpine rocks had been caused by processes of horizontal compression, as well as by uplifting by internal explosions. He thus came close to an accurate understanding of the structure of the Alps" (DSB). He first visited Chamonix in 1760 and established a prize for the first ascent of Mont Blanc, which was achieved in 1786. Saussure reached the summit himself the following year and published Relation abregée d'un Voyage a la Cime du Mont-Blanc, the first published account of the ascent of the mountain. A mixed edition, issued in the same format by the same publisher, without the 2 tables apparently not required in this set. . 4 volumes, 4to (248 x 199mm). Half-titles, engraved vignette on titles and at head of opening chapter in volumes 1 and 2, 22 plates on 21 engraved sheets, most folding or double-page, 2 folding engraved maps (without final blank in vols. 1 and 4, some occasional light browning). Modern half calf, red and black gilt morocco spine labels. Provenance: Royal College of Surgeons (withdrawal stamp on titles) - Coleg Harlech (bookplates on front paste-down and on front free endpaper). (4)
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
