POLYCARPE PONCELET (c.1720-1780) NOUVELLE CHYMIE DU GOÛT ET DE L’ODORAT [A NEW CHEMISTRY OF TASTE AND SMELL OR THE ART OF EASILY AND INEXPENSIVELY COMPOSING LIQUEURS AND PERFUMED WATERS] NEW EDITION, YEAR VIII [1799] VOLUME ONE. IN FRENCH.

Paris, Delalain Fils, Year VIII [1799] In-8, bound, 251 pp., in a contemporary marbled full calf binding. New edition, completely revised, considerably expanded and enriched with a new method for making fine liqueurs without brandy, wine or wine spirit proper; several interesting essays; and a series of physiological observations on the immoderate consumption of strong spirits. ‎ With illustrations. 20.3 x 13.1 x 2.7 cm Worn binding, scuffing, stains; spine and head and foot caps faded and rubbed; split joints; foxing; soiling. Father Polycarpe Poncelet of the Récollets order was a French monk and agronomist with a passion for chemistry. In 1755, he set out to apply the rules of harmonic proportion of sounds to ‘flavours’. He laid the foundations for ‘tasty music’ in his book, ‘The Chemistry of Taste and Smell, or Principles for Easily and Inexpensively Composing Liqueurs and Scented Waters‘. He was also the author of ‘The Natural History of Wheat’, published in 1779. He devoted much of his life to the study of the natural sciences.