CENEAU, DE VERA MENSURUM PONDERUMQUE RATIONE OPUS, PARIS, 1547, HALF STAMPED PIGSKIN

8vo (168 x 103mm.), woodcut initials, folding woodcut plate, contemporary half stamped pigskin over reused vellum manuscript (from a missal, France or Netherlands, 13th century, containing staved neumes), spine slightly chipped at head and foot

G. de Wind (i.e. Gerard de Wind, 1730-1800?), note on flyleaf dated 1755; Michel Chasles (1793-1880, professor of geometry at the Sorbonne), bookplate, his sale, Paris, Claudin, 1881, lot 2545 (with 7 other volumes); bought from Bruce McKittrick, Narberth, PA, 1998, Catalogue 35, item 14, $14,000

Tomash & Williams C53; BP16 112674; USTC 158728

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First published in 1532, under the title De liquidorum leguminorumque mensuris (Paris, Estienne), this is the third edition, much expanded by the author, who explains the need to standardise weights and measures across France. Most of Céneau's works were polemical tracts against Protestantism.