Théorie et pratique des longitudes en mer

8vo of title, XVI pp., 260 pp., 5 folding plates.
Contemporary red morocco, gilded fillet and gilt arms on covers, decorated ribbed spine, title piece in green morocco, inner gilt, gilded edges.

198 x 125 mm.

Charnières, de (1740-1780). Théorie et pratique des longitudes en mer, publiées par ordres du roi.
Paris, Imprimerie royale, 1772.

Very rare first edition published in Paris in 1772 in which Charnières describes the megameter, instrument for measuring the distances from the moon to the stars at sea.

This is an improvement on Bouguer’s heliometer.
De Charnières was the first who, having received instructions from Véron, successfully practiced the method of determining longitude at sea using the moon. He died shortly after the publication of his memoir.

“Théorie et Pratique des longitudes en mer delves into the historical methods and theoretical underpinnings of determining longitude at sea. Authored by Charles F. de Charnières, this work provides insights into the challenges faced by navigators in the 18th century as they sought accurate methods for calculating their position on the open ocean. This book explores both the theoretical frameworks and practical applications used during this crucial period of maritime exploration. Readers interested in the history of science, navigation, and maritime endeavors will find this a valuable resource. Discover the techniques and calculations that enabled sailors to chart their courses and explore the world.”

A member of the de Charnières family, page to the Duke of Penthièvre, he joined the naval guards in October 1756 and sailed on the Formidable under Dubois de La Motte’s command in the squadron to Louisbourg (1757).
In 1758, he served on the Capricieux and was taken prisoner during the surrender of Louisbourg on 28 July 1758. Released in September, he served on the Soleil Royal and took part on this ship in the Battle of Quiberon Bay (20 November 1759).
Promoted to Ensign in May 1763, he participated in a campaign to Martinique on the Sceptre, then to Saint-Domingue on the Sensible (1767). He was named Lieutenant in August; his astronomical research allowed him in 1769 to join the Academy of Marine.

Precious and beautiful copy printed on Dutch paper, and preserved in its in contemporary morocco binding with the arms of Louis-Philippe-Joseph d’Orléans.

Louis-Philippe-Joseph d'Orléans, known as Philippe-Égalité, Duke of Orléans, of Chartres, of Valois, of Nemours and of Montpensier, first prince of the blood, son of Louis-Philippe, I^st of the name, and of Louise‑Henriette de Bourbon-Conti. He was born at the Château de Saint-Cloud on 13 April 1747 and successively held the titles of Duke of Montpensier (until his grandfather’s death in 1752), Duke of Chartres (until his father's death in 1785), and Duke of Orléans. Appointed colonel of the infantry regiment bearing his name on 20 March 1752, made a knight of the King’s orders on 30 May 1762, he married on 5 April 1769 Louise-Marie-Adélaïde de Bourbon-Penthièvre, known as Mademoiselle de Penthièvre, by whom he had five children, three sons and two daughters; upon the death of the Count of Clermont in 1771, the Duke of Chartres became Grand Master of the Freemasons of France; he received the government of Poitou on 10 August 1776, was appointed Lieutenant General of the Naval Armies on 29 July 1777 and, after serving at sea, obtained the post of Colonel General of the Hussars, which was created for him in 1779. The hostility of Marie-Antoinette drove him from command and court, led him to travel abroad, and later plunged him into the party of the Revolution. The Duke of Orléans, who had inherited from his father in 1785 the government of Dauphiné, was elected deputy for Crépy-en-Valois to the Estates General of 1789; very popular in Paris, only his indecision prevented him from becoming king. After the abolition of noble titles in 1791, he went by the names Monsieur d'Orléans or Prince Louis-Philippe-Joseph and that of Philippe-Égalité, conferred on him by the Paris Commune on 15 September 1792. Accused by the Court party of all the massacres and attacks against royalty, he became Danton’s banker, served for a time in the army in 1792, was elected to the Convention as deputy for Paris, and followed the Mountain party; then he went astray to the point of voting for the execution of Louis XVI; nevertheless, after Dumouriez’s treason, he became suspect and was arrested as a hostage on 7 April 1793; after being detained at Marseille, he was indicted along with the Girondins, then condemned to death in Paris on 6 November 1793 and guillotined the same day.
This prince owned a considerable library containing valuable manuscripts, incunabula, works from the most celebrated presses of Europe, as well as the complete collection of the ‘Variorum’.

Provenance: Philippe-Égalité (1747-1793); Louis-Philippe, King of the French.