Beschreibung:

A Voyage to California, to observe the transit of Venus. By Mons. Chappe d'Auteroche. With an historical description of the author's route through Mexico, ... Also, a voyage to Newfoundland ... By Monsieur de Cassini Author: Chappe d'Auteroche, Jean and Jean-Dominique Cassini Place Published: London Publisher: Edward and Charles Dilly Date Published: 1778 Description: 315 [i.e. 215] pp. Folding copper-engraved plan of Mexico City. Half-title present. (8vo) 20.7x12.6 cm (8¼x5"), full leather, rebacked; spine labels stamped in gilt. First Edition in English. English edition of one of the earliest scientific expeditions to California, sent out by the French government much to the consternation and suspicion of the Spanish, spurring the dispatch of Gaspar de Portolá in 1769 and hastening settlement of Upper California. Jean Chappe D'Auteroche (1722-1769) made the expedition to Mexico in 1769 to view the Transit of Venus from San Jose del Cabo, on the tip of the Baja California peninsula. Chappe's account includes interesting descriptions of Vera Cruz and their overland journey across Mexico to the Sea of Cortez. Howes C299; Sabin 12004; ESTC T67626. Upon reaching San Jose, Chappe and almost all of his expedition died from fever; only one member made it back to Paris, with Chappe's notes and observations. This narrative, first published in French in 1772, was edited by Chappe's colleague, César Cassini de Thury. Streeter describes the work as "A thrilling account of a race against time to reach Lower California before the transit of Venus occurred. After nerve-racking delays, which began in Spain, and narrow escapes from disaster, the goal was reached late in May. Two days after the transit was observed a malignant fever spread through the little group and Chappe d'Auteroche [1728-1769], who nursed the sick and dying, took it himself and died on the first of August. Mr. Cowan is quite incorrect in his note on this book, saying 'this celestial phenomenon was visible only upon the coast of California.' It was in fact visible throughout the western hemisphere and expeditions to observe it were sent to numerous stations. Also Spain not only knew of the expedition, but in the end co-operated in every way to make it a success." According to most sources, the engraved map of Mexico City probably was based on one by José Antonio Alzate y Ramírez. Condition: Boards and spine chipped, repaired; light toning to edges; very good. Item#: 341805 Headline: Early Scientific Voyage to California 1772