129

Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan (1678-1771)

Traite Physique et Historique de l'Aurore Boreale.

Paris: De l'Imprimerie Royale, 1754.
Second edition, large quarto, woodcut device to title; illustrated with 17 folding engravings; bound in full contemporary French sponge-decorated calf with gilt-tooled spine (joints split, endcaps and corners worn with loss); 10 x 7 1/2 in.

Mairan contributed much to scientific knowledge of his day, advancing the study of circadian rhythms in plants and trying to explain the colder winter temperatures by considering the obliquity of light from the sun at that time of year. In the present work, he turns his attention to the aurora borealis phenomenon, postulating (another theory later proven to be true although not completely realized by Mairan at the time) that the Northern Lights are caused by the sun. His contemporaries guessed that the lights were coming from the Earth. In addition to his theoretical work, the present is also an exhaustive catalogue of details regarding observed instances of the aurora borealis with very good illustrations.

See also lot 177, Procli Sphaera. Ptolemaei de Hypothesibus Planetarum, 1620 from Mairan's library with his signature.

  • Notes: Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
  • Condition: a4, b2, A-4E4.

    Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000