BÉLIDOR (Bernard Forest de). La Science des ingénieurs dans la conduite des travaux de fortification et d'architecture civile. La Haye: Pierre Gosse junior, 1754. - In-4, marbled basane, double cold fillet framing the boards, ornate ribbed spine, red edges (period binding). "New edition, the last published during the author's lifetime, of this treatise first published in 1729, written by the military engineer Bernard Forest de Bélidor (1698-1761). The work is divided into 6 books: book one "Where one teaches how to use the principles of mechanics to give the appropriate dimensions to the linings of fortification works, to be in equilibrium with the thrust of the earth they have to support". - Livre second " qui traite de la mécanique des Voutes, pour montrer comme s'en fait la poussée & la maniere de déterminer 'épaisseur de leurs Pié-droits ". - Livre troisième " Qui comprend la connoissance des matériaux, leur propriété, leur détail, & la maniere de les mettre en œuvre ". - Book four "Which deals with the Construction of Military & Civil Buildings". - Book five "Where we teach all that can belong to the Decoration of Buildings". - Book six "Which includes the manner of making estimates for the construction of fortifications and civil buildings". The edition is illustrated with a frontispiece engraved after a drawing by Rigault, and 52 folding plates, offering 53 subjects numbered from 1 to 53, the 49th and 50th appearing on the same plate. Plates 9 and 10 feature 2 tables. Binding skilfully restored. Non-missing tear to plate 41.