Descriptions des arts et métiers (Neuchatel, 1771-1781) DESCRIPTIONS des arts et métiers faites ou approuvées par Messieurs de L'Académie Royale des Sciences de Paris. Avec figures en taille-douce.- Nouvelle édition. / Pubilée avec des observations, & augmentée de tout ce qui a été écrit de mieux sur ces matières, en Allemagne, en Angleterre, en Suisse, en Italie. Par J. E. Bertrand...- A Neuchatel: dans l'Imprimerie de la Societé Typographique, M.DCC.LXXI -M.DCC.LXXXI (1771-1781).- 19 vols.: il.; 24 cm.- E. Complete and clean set of the smaller format edition of the monumental Descriptions des arts et métiers, initially published in fascicles, in folio format, from the beginning of the 18th century in Paris. This edition was published in Neuchatel between 1771 and 1781, at the initiative of the Swiss pastor, geologist and naturalist Élie Bertrand (1713-1797) and had the collaboration of the best experts in each of the thematic domains, namely, Beauvais-Raseau, Courtivon , Demachy, Dudin, Duhamel Du Monceau, Fiquet, Fougeroux d'Angerville, Fougeroux de Bondaroy, Galon, Garsault, La Lande, Le Vieil, Malouin, Milly, Morand, Paulet, Réaumur, Saint Aubin, Struve, etc. The copper plate opened engraving and etching prints, will have been reduced from the originals (of larger format), by the pantograph process. The set, slightly trimmed but clean, includes 510 engravings, with independent numbering, bound at the end of each volume, related to the various chapters of the text. Plate V of volume X trimmed at the lower margin, with damage to the image; Volume XIV with water stains (tidal) affecting mainly the first 16 prints and eight badly folded plates, with marginal imperfections. All volumes have, labeled on the back cover, a typographic label with the initials P.M.B. Contemporary leather half-bindings, slightly worn and dehydrated; some damaged turn ins (at the top and bottom); all volumes retain the original marbled endpapers; blue anilized edge. A detailed list with the bibliographic description of each of the volumes is available to interested parties.