LA BORDE, Jean-Baptiste de - Lot 115

LA BORDE, Jean-Baptiste de Le Clavessin électrique ; avec une nouvelle théorie du mécanisme et des phénomènes de l'électricité. Paris, H.L. Guérin, 1761. In-12 (167 x 97 mm) of XII, 164 pp. 2 ff.n.ch. (approbation, privilege), 2 folding engraved plates. Speckled calf, smooth spine decorated, red edges (contemporary binding). De Backer-Sommervogel, I, 1784; Wheatland, 63; missing from Wheeler Gift. First edition of the first study of an electrically powered musical instrument. "La Borde shared his intense interest of his times in electricity. His most important publication, Le Clavessin électrique was prompted by his invention of a keyboard instrument powered by a static charge" (Grove's Dictionary, p. 342). The two plates show details of the harpsichord. Covers slightly missing, spines rubbed. Ex-libris Yves-Louis Mongrolle.