Fischer, Christian Gabriel Hrn. Nathanael Jacob Gerlach Siebende Reise durch Orleans, Nantes, Boudeaux, Toulouse, Toulon und Marseille über die See bis Genua, mit allerhand Anmerckungen beschrieben durch Christian Gabriel Fischer, vom 27. Aug. 1729 bis den 25. Nov: ej.ai: German manuscript on paper, 1729. With 20 partly folded plates illustrated on both sides and about 75 marginal drawings in ink and watercolour. 2 p., title in red and black, 160 handwritten num. P., 12 P. Index. Folio. Calf leather binding on 5 bands with gilt-stamped spine title Itinerarium Gerl. Spine title Itinerarium Gerlach Fischeranum, Tom VII and rich gilt (somewhat stained, spine inconspicuously restored using the original cover). Unique travelogue from the early 18th century, not published in printed form, about 2 major journeys through Germany, Italy, France, Holland and England, the first major journey in the years 1727-1731. 7 of a total of 12 meticulously recorded diaries and covers the journey from Paris via Orléans, Tours, Nantes, Rochelles, Charente, Bordeaux, Gironde, Montauban to Toulouse, from there to Montpellier, Avignon, Aix, Marseille and Toulon and back via Aix to Fréjus, Cannes, Monaco and on to Genoa. Illustrated with numerous drawings by the author, mostly on scientific and technical subjects, as well as numerous architectural sketches (including a ferry across the Loire, a cellar dungeon in Angers, a spit roast turner with dog operation, a basin for war shipbuilding, a pumping station using horses and much more). With an extensive index with name, place and subject index in an alphabet. - Poggendorff I, 749 and ADB VII, 49 ff (on C. G. Fischer). - Fischer (1686-1751) studied theology in Königsberg and Rostock, went to Königsberg in 1711 as a lecturer in philosophy, where he became an associate professor of physics. In 1725 he was dismissed from his post because of a publication and had to emigrate to Gdansk. - Well-equipped with funds and with good recommendations, Fischer was in the favourable position of being able to visit the most interesting cities and gain access to the most respected scholars. (Visits to Gottsched and Chr. Wolff, lectures by Boerhaave and Albinus, acquaintance with Sloane and Dillenius, Fontanelle, Jussieu and Réaumur, Tournemine and Montfaucon, Muratori and Maffei, Scheuchzer and Gesner and others.) His curiosity was primarily focussed on expanding his knowledge of the natural sciences, for which purpose he visited libraries, museums and cabinets, inspected buildings and technical facilities, machines and models ... The reports are by no means systematically complete ... but they generally always provide details that show the experienced and critical book connoisseur (A. Predeek, Bibliotheksbesuche eines gelehrten Reisenden im Anfang des 18. Jh., p. 221 ff . of Zentralbl. f. Bibl.-Wesen, 1928). - According to Predeek, after Fischer's death the 12 volumes became the property of his travelling companion N. J. Gerlach, who bequeathed them to the library of the Natural History Society in Danzig. - Vol. VI is now in the possession of the Bremen University Library, volumes I, II, IV, V, VIII, IX, X and XII in the Gdansk University of Technology Library. - Title page with old cancelled stamp. Partly somewhat stained and somewhat browned, inside fold broken, altogether a fine copy with wide margins. German manuscript on paper, Danzig 1729. (never printed). With 20 partly folding plates and 75 illustrations in white margins. Pen- and ink drawings partly with water-colour. 2 p., 160 numb. p., 12 p. Index. Contemp. calf on five raised bands. Gilt label to spine. spine richly gilt. Folio. (Spine restored). - Fischer, professor of physics in Königsberg, later emigrated to Danzig, made two extensive travels throughout Europe. He compiled a travel diary in 12 vols, in which he recorded in great details everything he thought noteworthy. He was especially interested in libraries, cabinets of wonder, universities ... but also in remarkable technical achievements and architectual structures. - Title page with old erased stamp. A few leaves soiled, otherwise a beautiful copy. This work is subject to regular taxation. A premium of 23.95% will be added to the hammer price and, for buyers within the European Union only, VAT of 7% (books) or 19% (art, autographs and manuscripts) will be added to the final invoice amount.