Recueil d'observations curieuses attributed to Abbé Claude-François Lambert by BN Cat.

Translation by Edward Howard of: Recueil d'observations curieuses sur les moeurs, les coutumes, les usages, les différentes langues, le gouvernement ... de différens peuples de l'Asie, de l'Afrique, & de l'Amérique, first printed in 4 volumes, Paris, 1749.

This is, in fact, Claude-François Lambert's "A collection of curious observations on the manners, customs, usages, different languages, government, ... of the several nations of Asia, Africa, and America", first printed London, 1750, with new title pages and a new preface. Cf. ESTC.

"The majesty and energy of the language of the Guaranis; the character of that nation; a description of the animals found in their country, and especially of a singular insect": v. 1, p. 101-102.

"Description of California; character, manners, and occupations of the inhabitants of that island; the remarkable plants, fruits, and animals found there": v. 1, p. 128-132.

"The stuffs in the Indies; their manner of designing flowers, preparing colours, and applying them; a secret to make indigo, how they prepare it; how they bleach the web to prepare it for the reception of different colours; description of Indian pencils": v. 1, p. 241-258.

"The different languages of the Hurons, of the Abnakis, the Algonkins, the Illinese, the Outaouacks, and several other nations of New-France; their employments, dresses, and dexterity in shooting with the bow; their tenderness for their children; ceremonies of thier funerals; cruel manner of treating captives of war": v. 1. p. 277-287.

"Description of the land of fire; error of the ancient and modern maps with respect to the extent of that land; characters, customs, usages, aliments [sic] and habits of the natives; error of the maps with respect to the situation of Cape Horn; description of the towns of Lima and that call'd the Conception": v. 2, p. 41-45.

"Of the island of St. Domingo; how populous it was, when the Castillians first landed in it; character of Christopher Columbus; his departure for Spain; disorders of the Castillians in his absence; insurrection of the Indians; return of Columbus to St. Domingo; the long and cruel war made on the Indians; their slavery, destruction, and apology": v. 2, p. 159-172.

"Extent of Paraguai; vast continent between the river of Paraguai and Peru; province of Chiquites; extent of this province; course of the rivers which water it; fruits and animals which it produces; how difficult it is to learn their language; the religion, manners, customs, and occupations of the Chiquites": v. 2, p. 185-193.

"Description of the island of Teneriffe; the vintage of the malmsey wine; description of the island of Cuba; of the port and city of Havanna; of la Vera Cruz; of the Puebla de Los-Angeles; of mexico; of Acapulco; and of the kingdom of Queda": v. 2, p. 265-272.

Pagination: v. 1: vi, 411, [1] p.; v. 2: [2], 404, [16] p.

Signatures: v. 1: pi1 A² B-2C 2D²; v. 2: [A]² (-[A]2) B-2C 2D² 2E.

Engraved head and tail pieces; initials.

Cf. Cioranescu, A. 18.s., 36296 (Paris, 1749 edition)

Sabin 38730n.

ESTC N46698.

John Carter Brown Library copy bound in contemporary full speckled calf.

Provenance of the John Carter Brown Library copy: James Green's book 1765: inscription on recto of front flyleaf.