Émilie du Châtelet, 1744

[CHÂTELET, Émilie (1706-1749).] Dissertation sur la nature et la propagation du feu [and:] Lettre de M. de Mairan a Madame la Marquise du Chastellet [and:] Reponse de la Marquise du Chastelet a la lettre que M. de Mairan. Paris: chez Prault, fils, 1744.

First separate edition of du Châtelet's important entry into the Académie des sciences prize contest on the nature of fire, untrimmed in boards. Voltaire had created a small chemistry laboratory at Cirey to work on his contribution, but du Châtelet managed to prepare and submit her own entry without his knowledge. The prize, announced in April 1738, was divided between Euler and authors of second rank, whose memoirs were to be published by the Académie. However, Voltaire arranged for his memoir and that of du Châtelet to be included with the winners when they were printed in 1739. This was the first time that the Académie had ever published the text of a woman, giving du Châtelet an unprecedented place within the French scientific community. This first separate edition, likely printed in a small edition for the author, contains an expanded version of her entry, as well as two works relating to her debate with Mairan over the forces vives. Cioranescu, Bibliographie de la littérature française du dix-huitième siècle, 25722.

Three parts in one, octavo (218 x 145mm). Half title, Avis leaf. Vignette on title and at beginning of text (some spotting, one gathering toned). Contemporary blue decorated paper boards, untrimmed, paper label with manuscript title on spine (Avis leaf detached).