Ferdinand Berthoud - De la Mesure du Temps - 1787-1787

Ferdinand Berthoud – De la Mesure du Temps – Paris, 1787 – First edition with 11 folding plates of watchmaking

Magnificent original work by the renowned French master watchmaker Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807), one of the most important figures in the history of horology and marine chronometry.

Full title:

“De la Mesure du Temps, ou Supplément au Traité des Horloges Marines et à l’Essai sur l’Horlogerie”

Published in Paris in 1787 (MDCCLXXXVII) by order of the King.

The work develops the principles of construction, adjustment and testing of longitude marine chronometers, astronomical clocks and highly precise pocket watches. It is considered a fundamental reference in the evolution of scientific watchmaking in the eighteenth century.

Copy bound in period leather with raised bands and gilt decoration on the spine.

Features

* Author: Ferdinand Berthoud
* Title: De la Mesure du Temps
* Year: 1787
* Place of edition: Paris
* Language: French
* Original leather binding
* 275 pages plus 11 engraved folding plates
* Original period copper-engraved engravings
* Numerous technical illustrations related to horology, marine chronometry and scientific instruments
* Dimensions: 25.8 x 19.8 cm

Condition

Good overall condition for a work over 235 years old. Binding with wear and signs of use typical of the period. Some old moisture stains and minor marginal flaws on certain pages and plates, in keeping with its age. The 11 folding plates are preserved and present.

Very interesting work for collectors of horology, history of science, navigation, marine chronometry and eighteenth-century rare books.

An exceptional piece related to one of the great masters of European watchmaking and a precursor of modern marine chronometers.