CUVIER (Georges) Rapport historique sur les progrès des sciences naturelles depuis 1789, et sur leur état actuel Paris: imprimerie impériale, 1810. - In-4, half dark green basane, smooth spine decorated, speckled edges (late 19th century binding). First edition of this report by the famous naturalist Georges Cuvier (1769-1832), summarizing scientific advances since 1789 in various fields, such as chemistry, meteorology, mineralogy, geology, physiology, botany, zoology, medicine, comparative anatomy, agriculture and technology. Cuvier highlights the work of such eminent figures as Lavoisier, Haüy, Monge, Berthollet and Jussieu, providing a valuable overview of the scientific progress of his time. This report was presented to the Emperor on February 6, 1808 by the Institut's physical and mathematical sciences class. ONE OF THE EDITED EXAMPLES IN IN-4 FORMAT, with 299 pages. This copy is particularly interesting as it was a gift from Georges Cuvier to Jean-Baptiste François Étienne Ajasson de Grandsagne (1802-1845), probably around 1830, and bears a handwritten ex-dono on the false title: "donné à M. Ajasson // Par l'auteur" (given to Mr. Ajasson // by the author). A literary scholar, Latinist and Hellenist, Ajasson was both a pupil and collaborator of Cuvier at the Natural History Museum. He is notably the founder of the "Bibliothèque populaire, ou l'Instruction mise à la portée de toutes les classes et de toutes les intelligences", which comprises over 200 volumes. He is also known to have been George Sand's first love. Some spotting on the spine, otherwise a very well preserved copy. Provenance: Jean-Baptiste François Étienne Ajasson de Grandsagne.