Vols. I-V, containing the complete text of Laplaces masterwork, Traité de Mécanique Céleste. [6], xv, [1], 420; [4], xvi, 440, [8], xix, [1], 381; [4], xxxix, [1], 552; [6], v, [1], 540, [2] pp. Folding engraved plate in Vol. IV. (4to) 26.2x20.8 cm (10¼x8¼"), period quarter calf & boards, spines tooled in gilt, marbled endpapers.
The great work of Pierre Simon Laplace (1749-1827), the influential French scholar who was important to the development of mathematics, statistics, physics and astronomy. He is most noted today for his five-volume Mécanique Céleste (Celestial Mechanics), first published 1798-1825, which comprise the first five volumes offered here of his Oeuvre. Laplace was one of the first scientists to postulate the existence of black holes and the notion of gravitational collapse. He is sometimes referred to as the "French Newton." Handsomely printed with wide margins.
Condition:
Some rubbing and wear to extremities, paper scuffed off the boards in a a few places; some scattered light foxing, occasional old rubberstamps of Bibliotheque du College St.-Joseph, very good or better condition.