MAIRAN, (JEAN JACQUES d'ORTOUS de).

Traite physique et historique de l’Aurore Boreale. Suite des Mémoires de l'Academie Royale des Sciences. Année M. DCCXXXI.

Paris, L'Imprimerie Royale, 1733. 4to. No wrappers. (8),281 pp. and 15 folded engraved plates. A few minor brownspots. Clean and fine.

First edition of this monumental work on the Northern Lights, being the first general treatise on the subject. Mairan disputes the explanation that the Northern Lights are caused by volcanic exhalations and suggest instead that the cause derives from the sun's atmosphere. (Parkinson, Breakthroughs, 1733). - Darmstaedter, 1733 M.

Order-nr.: 51277