Métrologie, Ou, Traité Des Mesures, Poids Et Monnoies Des Anciens Peuples & Des Modernes... de Alexis-Jean-Pierre Paucton

Paris: Chez la veuve Desaint,, 1780. The scientific study and human history of measurement First edition of this analysis of the scientific study of measurement, considering the social history and political implications of quantification. Alexis Jean-Pierre Paucton (1732-1798) secured the mathematics chair at the University of Strasbourg as a result of this book. He relates metrological standards to political and economic policies and contends that effective metrological standards depend on "unrivalled mastery of the Earth's dimensions" (Schaffer, p. 357). This led him to advocate several policies similar to those of the physiocrats, including the abandonment of colonial trade. Paucton's work forms an interesting precursor to the quantification efforts undertaken during the French Revolution. Quarto (253 x 197 mm). Contemporary calf, spine panelled and with floral decoration in gilt, and with raised bands and brown morocco label, covers panelled and with turn-ins in gilt, marbled endpapers, edges… Leer más