Robert Smith - Cours complet d'optique - 1767

Rare two-volume ensemble of one of the most important scientific syntheses of the 18th century devoted to geometric optics, physical optics, and observing instruments -

Adapted from the works of the English mathematician and physicist Robert Smith, professor at the University of Cambridge, this work methodically gathers the knowledge acquired since the investigations of Kepler, Descartes, Huygens, Newton and their successors -

The author begins by presenting the fundamental principles of rectilinear propagation of light, the nature of light rays, the laws of reflection and refraction, as well as the geometric properties of reflective and refractive surfaces -

Each phenomenon is demonstrated by means of precise mathematical reasoning accompanied by explanatory figures, allowing comprehension of the formation of images produced by plane, spherical, concave, convex, and parabolic mirrors, as well as by convergent and divergent lenses -

Robert Smith - Complete Course of Optics - 1767 - Volume I and II - La Veuve Girard & François Seguin, Charles-Antoine Jombert and Charles Saillant -
. (6) iii-xxviii, 472; (2), 536, (1) pp.

Good condition of bindings, works in full calf marbré of period, signs of wear, a few minor defects on boards and spine, upper capitals missing, spine and corners worn, red edges, spine with richly ornamented raised bands, gilded titles and tomes on red and green morocco pieces –

Good interior condition, browning and some humidity marks especially on the upper corner of the pages of the second volume, beautiful vignette on the title page, pretty headbands, pretty printer’s ornament, fine engraved folding plates, marbled endpapers in decent condition with a label on the first endpaper, pleasant overall –

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