large paper copy in the original wrappers

Large paper copy of the first edition of Volta's last memoir on galvanism, 'a lengthy review of his reasons for identifying galvanic and common electricity' (DSB).

Volta's most important contribution to the famous controversy that occurred between the Galvanic and Voltaic theories of electricity. This memoir was submitted under the name of one of the students of Volta in 1805 during a competition organized by the 'Società Italiana delle Scienze', but wasn't published until 1814 with additional notes by Volta. At the end is a detailed bibliography of Volta's works until 1813, listing 44 works, all except one or two in journals or other publications. As such, this volume is one of Volta's few separately published books.

First edition, large paper copy; 4to; engraved portrait of Volta by Garavaglia, very occasional light dampstaining to upper margin, minor marginal foxing to prelims and final few leaves, otherwise internally clean and bright; original blue wrappers, some light toning and soiling, light wear to extremities, deckled edges, without the addenda slip tipped to the last page in some copies, overall a very good wide-margined copy in the original wrappers.

Honeyman 3076; Wheeler Gift 726.