SECONDAT (Jean-Baptiste de). Observations de physique et d'histoire naturelle sur les eaux minérales de Dax, de Bagneres, & de Barege, sur l'influence de la pesanteur de l'Air dans la chaleur des liqueurs bouillantes, & dans leur congellation. Histoire de l'Electricité, &c. Paris: Huart, Moreau fils, David l'aîné, Durand, Pissot, 1750 - In-12, marbled havana calf, triple gilt fillet framing the boards, ornate ribbed spine, inner gilt roulette, gilt edges (period binding). "First edition of this scientific work by the agronomist Jean-Baptiste Secondat (1716-1796), son of Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède and Montesquieu. Among the chapters, in addition to studies on the mineral waters of the Landes and Hautes-Pyrénées regions, are experiments "on the term of ice, the degree of heat of melting lead, that of water, wine spirit and boiling mercury carried out at Pic-de-midi in 1743 and 1746", and a "History on the properties of Magnets and Electricity". Copy in contemporary binding, inscribed "Ex dono autoris" on verso of first white endpaper. Minor damage to spine ends and headpieces, corners slightly dulled. Modern notes in pencil opposite title."