CHAPPE D’AUTEROCHE, Jean–Baptiste

CHAPPE D’AUTEROCHE, Jean–Baptiste (1722–1769). A Journey into Siberia…Containing an Account of the Manners and Customs of the Russians, the Present State of their Empire; with the Natural History, and Geographical Descriptions of their Country. London: T. Jeffreys, 1770. 4to (267 x 203 mm). Engraved folding map outlined in hand coloring, 9 etched plates including one folding (some browning or spotting to plates, offsetting from ownership signature to map). Provenance: Sam Walker Junior? (contemporary signature on title–page). Half modern diced calf, marbled boards, spine gilt, all edges marbled, renewed endpapers. FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. Jean Chappe d’Auteroche was a French astronomer who was sent to Siberia for the purpose of observing the transit of Venus. The Transit was due in June 1761 and was considered to have great scientific importance since theoretically it could be used to estimate the size of the solar system. From St Petersburg Chappe d’Auteroche sledged to Tobolosk, where he spent several months, observing the Transit of Venus and carrying out a large number of related scientific measurements. After his return, he published his Voyage en Siberie (1768). Chappe D’Auteroche describes Siberia’s geography, natural history, and the culture of its inhabitants – their manners and customs; He also sharply condemns Russia’s political regime. Cox I:351; ESTC T701180.