MéTrologie, Ou Traité Des Mesures, Poids, Et Monnoies [Sic] Des Anciens Peuples & Des Modernes. Paucton, Alexis Jean-Pierre.

First edition of this analysis of the scientific study of measurement, considering the social history and political implications of quantification. Alexis Jean-Pierre Paucton (1732-1798) secured the mathematics chair at the University of Strasbourg as a result of this book. He relates metrological standards to political and economic policies and contends that effective metrological standards depend on "unrivalled mastery of the Earth's dimensions" (Schaffer, p. 357). This led him to advocate several policies similar to those of the physiocrats, including the abandonment of colonial trade. Paucton's work forms an interesting precursor to the quantification efforts undertaken during the French Revolution. Goldsmiths' 11963; Kress B. 305. Simon Schaffer, "Ceremonies of Measurement: Rethinking the World History of Science", Annales HSS, vol. 70, no. 2 (Apr. 2015), pp. 335-360. Quarto (253 x 197 mm). Contemporary calf, spine panelled and with floral decoration in gilt, and with raised bands and brown morocco label, covers panelled and with turn-ins in gilt, marbled endpapers, edges red, blue silk bookmarker. Engraved ornament to title page, head- and tailpieces. Formulae and tables in the text. Light bumping and wear, a small spot of stripping to rear cover, cosmetic splits to front joint, holding firm, minor browning and foxing to endpapers and outer leaves, contents otherwise fresh and bright: a very good copy.