Paris, Firmin Didot Frères, Fils et Cie., 1874. Large 4to (28.5 x 22.5 cm). Title page, 460 pp.; three large, multi-folded maps of the earth, relating to areas where useful observations could be made, and two (one large, folded) plates with observation instruments. Contemporary mottled boards. Printed label on the spine.

This volume contains all the papers related to the then-approaching Venus transit of 1874, and the preparations for successful observations. It is much rarer than any of the "results" papers, published after the transit. Originally, four sets of publications were planned, namely: 1. Summaries of the records of the committees dealing with the project; 2. Documents related to the mission, and papers on preparation of the mission; 3. Reports of the observations, and 4. Discussion of the results. Published before the transit, this volume deals with the second part and contains contributions by Delaunay on the distance between Earth and the sun, Wolf and André's work on the problems with observations of the transit of Mercury, Faye's paper on photography of the Venus transit, and 27 other contributions. Uncut. Shelfwear to hinges, spine with some repairs and a bit worn, free endpapers a bit toned. Text and plates clean. In all, a very good copy. Rare. Hazeau and Lancaster, pp. 1080-1081.