Author

LE COMTE, Lewis.

Title

Memoirs and remarks
geographical, historical, topographical, physical, natural, astronomical, mechanical, military, mercantile, political, and ecclesiastical. Made in above ten years travels through the empire of China: particularly, upon their pottery and varnishing, silk and other manufactures, pearl-fishing, the history of plants and animals, with a description of their cities and publick works, number of people, manners, language and customs, coin and commerce, their habits, oeconomy, and government, the philosophy of the famous Confucius. With many curious particulars; being, in general, the most authentick account of that country.

Published, Date

Printed by J. Hughes for Oliver Payne, London1737.

Description

8vo, viii, 536pp., engraved frontispiece, 2 folding engraved plates, engraved map in text, folding table, contemporary sprinkled calf, morocco lettering piece, light wear to extremities, short splits to joints.

Note

Le Comte was a Jesuit who was sent to China as a mathematician in 1685. His account was first published in French in 1696 with an English edition following in 1697. The narrative takes the form of 14 letters written to dignitaries at home.

References

Cordier 41; Lust 52; Morrison I, 430.

Stock Number

84523