Ensayos Politicos, Economicos y Filosoficos

by the Count of Rumford

A beautiful Spanish translation of the political, economical and philosophical essays of the American-born British physicist and inventor, Sir Benjamin Thompson (1753-1814). Dealing with all three aspects in discussing the major issues and concerns of his time, the author here delivers a series of essays of remarkable insight for the improvement of political systems and of the economy through better technical efficiency. Delving into statistics and measures, he uses his experience in physics and general science to suggest better, thriftier ways of using combustible, feeding the army, and other such issues backing his ideas with observations and his own scientific knowledge. The fold-out illustrations provide a complement to this already very complete set of essays. 356 (vol 1) + 483 (vol 2) pages. 5 x 7.75 inches.

Two volumes. One portrait of the author inside in vol 1 and several fold-out illustrations in both volumes. Ex-library with minimal markings.

Published by: La Imprenta Real, Madrid, 1800.

Hardbacks are overall in GOOD+ condition.

  • Both volumes display notable wear from rubbing and chipping to covers and mild aging inside.
  • Leather covers exhibit pronounced edgewear from rubbing with scattered chips along borders, and exposed boards.
  • Corners are mildly bumped and expose boards.
  • Spines feature faded gilt text and lines. 
  • Spines exhibit severe rubbing along shoulders with some cracking, and chipping at ends. (See photos) 
  • Binding is secure in both volumes.
  • Endpapers feature handsome colored design on front and back showing some toning, mostly marginal, and some cracking along hinges. (See photos)
  • Ex-library with minimal markings, limited to a bookplate on front pastedown and reference number on first page of text in both volumes. (See photos)
  • Interior is gently toned, and is overall well-preserved with occasional marginal foxing that remains light.
  • Ink signature on title page in both volumes.
  • Pages 34 to 43 are bound out of sequence, yet are all present. Page 43 shows publisher's defect on upper edge. (See photos) 
  • Some pages have minor corner creases.
  • Fold-outs are well-preserved. One fold-out in vol 2 exhibits a 2" closed tear towards gutter.
  • Vol 2 has faded publisher's ribbon bookmark.
  • Textblock edges are darkened along edges, with foxing.
  • Book may exhibit additional minor signs of age or wear.
  • SC20180418

AS IS! Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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