Instructions pour les Mariniers, Contenant la Maniere de Rendre l'Eau de Mer Potable; de Conserver l'Eau Douce, le Biscuit, le Bled et de Saler les Animaux et Diverses Autres Expériences Physiques Traduit de l'Anglois de Ethienne Hales

The Hague: Pierre Paupie, 1740. First edition in French. A few chips at ends of spine, else in original condition. 8vo. Title printed in red-and-black. Two folding engraved plates. Sewn in original plain limp paper boards, lettered in ink on spine, paper shelf label at foot of spine. Provenance: Leo S. Olschi (label on pastedown). FIRST EDITION IN FRENCH of Hales' 'Philosophical experiments: containing useful, and necessary instructions for such as undertake long voyages at sea', published London, 1738. "Stephen Hales (1677-1761) is chiefly remembered for his important researches into vegetable physiology. In this book he describes and illustrates his invention to obtain fresh water from salt, suggests methods for preserving fresh water and eatables, for cleansing rivers and harbours, for preserving and bottling mineral waters, etc." (E.P Goldschmidt, Catalogue 17, "Landmarks of Pure and Applied Science Inventions; Inventions and Technology; The Invention of Lithography").