4°, xliv, 484 pp. (some spotting and browning throughout). engr. front. by Chedel after Ozanne, vign. on title, dedication vign., 10 headpieces by Ozanne or Chedel showing the different stages of building a vessel and 24 fold. pl. (num. 1-24 with 1 unnumb. pl. and 1 counting for 2). Contemp. calf (joints rep., corners rubbed), marbled endpapers, red edges
Second edition (first 1752), and most sought after because the most complete of this important work on shipbuilding augmented with a 10th chapter on the center of mass of the vessels. First practical treatise for naval engineers designed to educate students from the school of Marine science created by Duhamel du Monceau (1700-1782) in 1741. The work is a hands-on manual presenting concepts on the ship's frame and main parts, specifying standards and technical references of the various types of vessels and dealing with plans and directly applicable calculation methods. The publication of the work can be seen in the light of Louis XV's strong desire to create a powerful navy. Explanation of marine terminology in fine. Ref. BnF. - COPAC. - Brunet VI:8476 (ed. dated 1757). - Cp. Berlin Kat. 1458 (ed. 1752). - Musée de la Marine: www.musee-marine.fr/.../duhamel_du_monceau.
