Première édition française, exemplaire d'Elie de Beaumont, de ce texte fondateur pour la théorie mécanique de la chaleur. "The major contribution of Rumford was in the theory of heat. Observing the heat created in the boring of cannon, he measured the thermal capacities of the chips and boring bars. He then set up controlled experiments simulating the boring operation, using a steel borer and brass ctlinder, all placed in a wooden box holding a known volume of water." Bon exemplaire à l'intérieur frais. Heralds of Science, 151 ; Bibliotheca Mechanica, p. 286.