BROSSES, Charles de Lot n° 30

Traité de la formation méchanique des langues, et des principes physiques de l'etymologie. Paris, Saillant, Vincent, Desaint, 1765. 2 volumes in-12 (164 x 90 mm) of LIX, 489 pp. 8 folding engraved plates for volume I ; IV, 533 pp. for volume II. Marbled calf, spine ribbed and decorated, red edges (contemporary binding). First edition of this precious work for etymology, long considered the most important by its author. The great scholar Charles de Brosses (1709-1777) is credited with the authorship of the words 'Polynesia' and 'Australasia'. A very good copy, complete with its 8 engraved plates.