CASSINI JACQUES: (1677-1756)

CASSINI JACQUES: (1677-1756) French astronomer. A.L.S., Cassini, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 31 st May 1754, to a gentleman, in French. Cassini sends his correspondent a statement of engineers who are proposed to be employed along with the funds deemed necessary for the work, explaining 'Les deux etats sont entierement conformes a ceux de l'annee precedente par rapport a la depense, et il n'y a de difference que dans le choix de quelques ingenieurs, ayant juge a propos de reformer ceux du travail desquels je n'ay pas ete content et de n'admettre dorenavant que ceux qui apres avoir travaille une annee entiere a leur depens m'auront donne des preuves de leur capacite. J'espere que vous voudrez bien approuver cet arrangement qui m'a paru conforme a vos intentions et avantageux au progres de cet ouvrage de meme qu'a sa perfection' (Translation: 'The two statements are entirely in conformity with those of the preceding year in relation to the expense, and there is no difference except in the choice of a few engineers, having judged fit to reform those of whose labour I was not happy and to admit from now on only those who, after having worked for a whole year at their expense, will have given me proof of their capacity. I hope that you will agree to approve this arrangement which seemed to me to be in conformity with your intentions and advantageous to the progress of this work as well as to its perfection'), further referring to some books and court proceedings against certain engineers who refused particular orders and concluding by remarking 'On m'a apporte hier au soir la premiere epreuve de la carte des environs de Montigny que j'ai cru devoir vous envoyer afin que vous puissiez l'examiner a vos moments de loisir' (Translation: 'I was brought yesterday evening the first proof of the map of the surroundings of Montigny which I thought I should send to you so that you could examine it at your leisure'). Cassini's correspondent has penned a response, of just over ten lines dated 8 th June 1754, to the upper and lower areas of the first and second pages. Some light foxing and minor age wear, largely to the edges, about VG