[RAILROADS] DEGHILAGE, Alexandre-Louis. The Origin of the Lo - Lot 70

[RAILROADS] DEGHILAGE, Alexandre-Louis. The Origin of the Locomotive. A seminal study on the early history of the locomotive, a very complete copy featuring all 12 plates and an additional insert. Paris, n.p. [printed by A. Broise and Courtier], 1886. Folio size, ebony half-chagrin with corner pieces, smooth spine with title running lengthwise. 44 pp. and XII double-page plates. A few darker spots on the binding; reinforced hinges. First edition of this study by engineer Alexandre-Louis Deghilage (1841–1901), in which he traces the evolution of the earliest steam locomotives, from the pioneers’ experiments to the models that accompanied the rise of the railroad in the 19th century. It is complete with all twelve plates illustrating the various models from 1771 to 1846. A fine copy, enhanced by an autographed dedication from the author to the deputy chief of the Ministry of Finance.