Beschreibung:

LAPLACE, Pierre Simon (1749-1827). Traité de mécanique céleste . Paris: Duprat [vol. 4 Courcier, vol. 5 and 6 Bachelier], [1799]-1825. First edition of Laplace’s monumental work, in which he ‘codified and developed the theories and achievements of his predecessors, notably Newton, Euler, d’Alembert and of his contemporary Lagrange’ (PMM). ‘Laplace’s system of celestial mechanics (a term he coined) marked an advance over that of Newton, who had posited the necessity of a Deity in the universe to correct planetary irregularities; Laplace on the other hand, when asked by Napoleon why his system contained no mention of the Creator, replied “I had no need of such a hypothesis.”’ (Norman). Norman 1277; PMM 252. 6 volumes, quarto (250 x 195mm). Half-titles. With the supplements to vols.3 and 4 and the separately bound supplement to vol.5, folding engraved plate in vol. 4 (lacking the 4 part-titles in vol. 5, very occasional faint spotting or browning). Contemporary mottled half calf over marbled boards, spines gilt (spines lightly worn). Provenance : Moritz Heider (Austrian dentist, 1816-1866; inscription) – Oswald Weigel (bookseller’s stamp) – The Netherlands, Kolleg St Ludwig Library (stamp) – A. Reisinger (embossed stamp) – Dr Shobloch (stamp).