160 - Bourdet, B. Traité des digues le long des fleuves et rivières, au quel on à joint des regles touchant les épis, fascinages et reversoirs (sic) &c. Berlin, Aux dépens de l'Auteur, 1771. 164 pages, 2 leaves. Small octavo. Modern calfskin binding in the style of the period with rich gilt spine decoration.

Bourdet, B. Traité des digues le long des fleuves et rivières, au quel on à joint des regles touchant les épis, fascinages et reversoirs (sic) &c. Berlin, Aux dépens de l'Auteur, 1771. 164 pages, 2 leaves. Small octavo. Modern calfskin binding in the style of the period with rich gilt spine decoration. Niemann: Bartholomée Bourdet. Ein vergessener Ingenieur und Architekt Friedrichs des Großen. In: Mitteilungen des Vereins für die Geschichte Berlins. Vol. 45, 1928, pp. 130-32; Andrews: Hydraulics, page 241. - First edition (2nd edition Berlin and Paris 1773). - Bourdet (1720-1799) trained at the Académie d'Architecture in Paris and worked as a hydraulic engineer in Holland before being called to Berlin in 1766 and appointed Inspector General of Harbors, Dikes, Domains, and Locks. He reported directly to Frederick II but, probably because he spoke only French, had great difficulty gaining recognition among German professionals. Perhaps to restore his reputation, Bourdet then wrote a guide to hydraulic engineering, naturally in French, which he had printed at his own expense in 1771 and dedicated to Minister Count Podewils. - The first three plates show river courses and straightening, the others dike cross-sections and bank reinforcements. - Slightly browned.