LAGRANGE, Joseph-Louis (1736–1813). Méchanique analytique. Paris: La Veuve Desaint, 1788.

First edition of Lagrange's masterpiece, which has been described as "perhaps the most beautiful mathematical treatise in existence" (Wolf). "It was reserved for Lagrange to mould theoretical mechanics into a system, and by combining the principle of virtual velocities with D'Alembert's Principle, to derive fundamental mechanical equations which describe the motion of any system of bodies. These important results were set forth in Lagrange's masterpiece, the Méchanique Analytique (Paris, 1788), which laid the foundations of modern mechanics, and which occupies a place in the history of the subject second only to Newton's Principia. The two works differ in one essential respect, namely, whereas Newton derives his results purely geometrically, or synthetically, with the aid of figures, Lagrange, dispensing with diagrams, treats the subject in an entirely analytical manner. He followed the example of Euler in his analytical treatment and his efforts to find the most comprehensive formulae which should enable as many particular cases as possible to be treated on the same lines. In this sense Lagrange's work has been described by Mach as one of the greatest contributions to the economy of thought" (Wolf, History of science... in the eighteenth century, pp. 69-70). Dibner 112; Horblit 61; Norman 1257; Parkinson p. 216.

Quarto (256 x 192 mm). Half title (small loss at one margin, very minor spotting to last quarter of book). Contemporary French calf, gilt neoclassical panels on sides and gilt panels with wreaths and urns on spine (couple expert repairs at spine, tips renewed). Provenance: École centrale du département du Tarn (supralibros) – École supérieure de commerce et d’industrie, Bordeaux (stamp on title and one other leaf).