DELUC (Jean-André) and DENTAND (Pierre Gédéon). Relation de différents voyages dans les Alpes du Faucigny. Maastricht, J.E. Dufour & P. Roux, 1776. In-12, half vellum binding, title on spine (recent binding). First edition, rare. This small volume inaugurated a genre that has been popular ever since: the account of high mountain races. It recounts the attempts and first ascent of Le Buet by the Deluc brothers, followed by the successful ascent by Jean Antoine Deluc and pastor Pierre Gédéon Dentand in 1776. During the attempt in 1765, the barometer broke and there was a precipice that could not be avoided, forcing them to give up. Jean-Antoine Deluc injured his foot on the second attempt in 1770. The third successful attempt was made from the cirque des Fonds. Pierre Gédéon Dentand (Geneva 1746 - 1780), the son of a clergyman, was ordained a clergyman in 1772, but gave up his ministry to devote himself to the sciences. He explored the Faucigny Alps with Jean-André Deluc to measure atmospheric pressure, altitude and air humidity. Perret, 1271 - Regard sur les Alpes 17 Meckly 116 - Coolidge 51