10 - BERTRAND, Elie.

BERTRAND, Elie. Historical and Physical Memoirs on Earthquakes. The Hague: Pierre Gosse, Junior, 1757. In-16, (3)-II-326-(2) pp. Contemporary speckled fawn sheepskin (binding rubbed, head and foot worn, cap ends worn away, corners blunt, spine rubbed but interior fresh). First edition of this work on earthquakes by the Swiss pastor and naturalist Elie Bertrand (1713–1797), a member of various academies, of the private council of the King of Poland, and a regular correspondent with Voltaire. A rare treatise combining a chronology of earthquakes in Switzerland since the 6th century with a specific study of the earthquake of November 1, 1755 (linked to the Lisbon earthquake), religious justifications and attempts at scientific explanations—primarily based on analyses drawn from physics—as well as a description of the phenomenon of earthquake propagation or simultaneity. For Bertrand, following in the footsteps of Abbé Nollet, these geological phenomena were caused by the interaction of heat, water, and air within the Earth. Also included, in an eschatological spirit associated with earthquakes: -The Journey to Beth-El, with meditations and prayers to prepare for Holy Communion. Along with the Psalms sung on Communion days. The Hague, Henri Scheurleer, 1759. Small 12mo, (2)-212 pp. Fine, finely speckled havana calfskin of the period; blank spine with raised bands outlined in gold fillets; double gold fillet framing the covers; speckled edges (bindings worn, slightly split at top and bottom; slight peeling of the leather on the front cover). Rare Protestant work. Printed music. Ex libris dated 1926: Bouffard, clergyman.