1765 : Forges. Longitudinal View of the Two-Furnace Forge and Development of the Tilt Hammer. Titled in French, Forges, 4e Section, Coupe Longitudinalle de la Forge. This is an original double page sized print from Diderot & d'Alembert's Encyclopedie, ou Dictionnaire Raisonne des Sciences, des Arts, et des Metiers, 1751-1772.

An original 18th century engraved print, not a modern reprint. The blank unprinted margin spaces and corners are mildly creased, but the image is not affected. Folded as published. There are no text pages. The size shown is the approximate image size, the whole page with margins is slightly larger. The Encyclopedia, a monumental work edited by Denis Diderot and Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, was a groundbreaking endeavour that aimed to systematically catalogue all human knowledge, spanning 28 volumes published between 1751 and 1772. As a product of the Enlightenment era, the Encyclopedia embodies the spirit of rational inquiry, intellectual exchange, and the scientific method as its contributors, known as encyclopedists, sought to understand the world through reason and empirical evidence. The editors, Diderot and d'Alembert, defined their goal : "As an Encyclopedia, it is to define as well as possible the order and structure of human knowledge. As a Reasoned Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts, and Trades, it is to contain the general principles that form the basis of each science and each art, liberal or mechanical, and the most essential facts that make up the body and substance of each". The emphasis on arts and trades during the Enlightenment period shifted the focus from the refined pursuits of the aristocracy to the everyday accomplishments of working people. This movement celebrated the skills and crafts of artisans, farmers, and other labourers, recognising their importance in society and the value of their contributions to the economy. By highlighting the applied arts and crafts, the Encyclopedia promoted a more egalitarian view of society, where all individuals, regardless of social class, had a vital role to play in shaping culture and society. Size: 32 x 43 cms. Text is in French. Category: Diderot Encyclopedia; French Language; Printed before 1800; PRINTS : Antiquarian Interest; French Language; This item may require more postage than the rates shown for delivery outside the UK. If extra postage is required we will contact you before processing your order and you will be given the details and option to decline the extra cost. Cosmo Books : 29 years on ABE, 47 years taking care of customers. A bookseller you can rely on.