Jean-baptiste Biot - Mélanges scientifiques et littéraires. - 1858

BIOT, Jean-Baptiste. Mélanges scientifiques et littéraires. Paris: Michel Lévy Frères, 1858. First edition. Three volumes, octavo (in-8). Contemporary half mahogany calf, spines with raised bands, red morocco title labels and brown morocco volume numbers, sprinkled red edges. pp. IV, 472; 462; 532 + 1 folding plate.

A handsome first edition of this important collection of writings by Jean-Baptiste Biot (1774–1862), the distinguished physicist, astronomer, and mathematician. The Mélanges scientifiques et littéraires brings together a wide range of Biot’s essays and reports, many of which had appeared only in scattered periodicals or as separate academic papers. They reflect the breadth of his intellectual pursuits — from precise investigations in optics, magnetism, and astronomy, to speculative and historical reflections on science, literature, and philosophy.

Biot was among the most versatile scientific figures of the early nineteenth century, remembered not only for his experimental work on polarisation of light and his contributions to geomagnetism, but also for his early balloon ascents and for his role in the metric survey of France. These volumes offer a comprehensive view of his thought, capturing both the rigour of the physicist and the sensibility of the cultivated essayist. His ability to bridge the empirical and the literary lends the collection a distinctive charm and makes it a valuable document of the intellectual life of his age.

The third volume contains a folding map of the Antarctic regions, reflecting Biot’s enduring interest in geographical and atmospheric phenomena. The inclusion of this plate underscores his concern with the application of physical theory to exploration and navigation, as well as his engagement with the expanding horizons of nineteenth-century science.

A well-preserved and attractively bound set, showing only light rubbing to extremities and occasional foxing consistent with age. The bindings are neat and sound, with richly tooled gilt spines and the original red and brown morocco labels intact. A fine copy of this scarce first edition, uniting scientific erudition with literary elegance — a fitting testament to one of France’s foremost savants.

Vol I:
Discours prononcé aux obsèques de M. le marquis de Laplace

Biot’s funeral oration for Laplace — an intellectual tribute.

Voyages; opérations géodésiques

Études sur Newton

Biographie de Newton

Vol 2:

Critique littéraire et scientifique

Esquisses biographiques

Vol 3:

Esquisses biographiques (suite)

Économie sociale

Voyage en Norvège et en Laponie

Voyage autour du monde (1806-1812)

Mission envoyée du fort de Cape Coast

Astoria – récit d’une expédition

Relation du voyage de découvertes exécuté par l’ordre des États

Sur les observatoires météorologiques permanents

Récit de l’expédition anglaise en Chine (1840-1842)