Saussure, Horace Benedict de; Essais sur l'hygrométrie. I. Description d'un nouvel Hygromètre comparable. II. Théorie de l'hygrométrie. III. Théorie de l'évaporation. IV. Application des théories précédentes à quelques phénomènes de la météorologie. Neuchâtel, Samuel Fauche, 1783. Quarto, pp. xxiv, 368, vignette, 2 folded plates.
The text is complete and in a contemporary full tree calf, raised spine bands, gilt tooled spine with gilt titles, marbled end sheets, tinted text block edges. In very good condition.
Saussure (1740-1799) was a member of an old Geneva family and became a professor of philosophy at age 22. He is thought by many to be the first true observer of geology in the field and his studies became a model of the value of field geology. James Hutton quoted from Saussure's studies at length as did Hutton's commentator, John Playfair. His above studies on the use of hygrometry, especially in geological and meteorological observations are considered classic treatises. The four essays are: 1. Description d'un Nouvel Hygrometre Comparable. 2. Theorie de lHygrometrie. 3. Theorie de l'Evaporation. and 4. Application des Theories Precedentes a Quelques Phenomenes de la Meteorologie. Saussure makes reference within these essays to his famous studies on the Alps.