Lot 415: PICARD, Jean (1620-1682). Traité du nivellement . Paris: Estienne Michallet, 1684.

PICARD, Jean (1620-1682). Traité du nivellement . Paris: Estienne Michallet, 1684. 8 o (152 x 86 mm). Errata leaf. 3 engraved plates, the last divided at center and bound with figures facing pp. 90 and 97. Contemporary French calf, spine gilt (a few stains, joints cracked). FIRST EDITION of Picard's book on surveying and leveling, written as a by-product of his researches into the measurement of the circumference of the earth. This work was prepared for the press by Philippe de la Hire (1640-1718) after Picard's death, and was considered one of the prime books on the subject, being reprinted in numerous editions until 1780. De la Hire supplies descriptions and illustrations both of Picard's level and of alternative instruments designed by Huygens, Romer and himself. Pogendorff II:442.