This fascinating lot of 19th century French engravings and maps reflect then-contemporary astronomical knowledge and theories. A. Cosmographie ou Tableau des Systemes du Monde, by Drioux & Leroy, circa 1872, black & white (16.8 x 11.3"). A sheet that features a collection of diagrams on various planetary systems, global projections, lunar views and Halley's Comet, seen on October 29th, 1835. Condition: On a moderately toned sheet with minor offsetting and faint scattered foxing. (B+)

B. Systeme Planetaire Suivant Copernic, by Anon., circa 1870, hand color (14.1 x 11.0"). Our solar system as shown by Copernicus, with the sun in the middle. Flanked on one side by the Earth-centered planetary systems of both Tycho-Brahe and Ptolemy and on the other with diagrams of the sun in relation to the earth. Condition: A few faint spots, some minute worm holes that are only visible when held up to light, and a small damp stain at the sheet's top left edge, well away from the engraving. (A)

C. Theorie des Saisons Expliquees Suivant Copernic par l'Inclinaison de l'Axe Terrestre et Son Parallelisme Constant, by Anon., circa 1870, black & white (14.7 x 10.9"). This is an uncolored engraving from the same series as the one above, showing the effect of the seasons and the movement of the sun. Condition: There are two minute worm holes around the centerfold that are only visible when held up to light and some minor soiling along the sheet's edges, far from the image. (A)

References:

Condition:

See description above.