Traité d'optique sur les réflexions, réfractions, inflexions et les couleurs de la lumière.
Paris, Montalant, 1722.
4to (242x187 mm), (20)-595-(1) pages and 12 folding plates. binding : Contemporary full sheep. Covers with gilt arms of the town of Lyon. Caps and corners chipped.
Second French edition of this important work in which Newton sets out his theory of light, the study of the refraction and diffraction of light. He observes in particular that light is composed of a multitude of colors.
This edition is more sought after than the first because the translation by Pierre Varignon was revised and supervised by Newton himself.
Handwritten note at the end: "Bookplate Musei C.Dupré. 1 quarto volume purchased on April 2, 1779" An old handwritten note states that this copy was purchased on May 2, 1863, at the library sale... and placed to their proper place the plates that had been incorrectly inserted by the bookbinder.