Arts et Metiers. Le Fabricant de sel Ammoniac. by PROFESSIONS) - Ca. 1820.

Paris.: Panckouke.. Ca. 1820.. Copper plate engraving (uncolored), plate area approximately 15 x 21 inches on sheet size 21 3/4 x 28 inches. Publisher's blindstamp at top right. Small area of dampstaining at upper left corner and short mended tear to left upper edge (all well outside plate mark), light foxing to outer edges. Very good condition. Plate XXIV from Vol. II of the Etat Moderne (Modern State) section of the monumental publication "Description de L'Egypte," which documented the research of the "savants" who accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte's ambitious expedition to Egypt (1798-1801). The full title, translated into English reads "Description of Egypt, or the collection of observations and research made in Egypt during the Expedition of the French Army" hinting at the varied purposes of this foray into the Middle East. The European demand for information about Egypt and its glorious monuments led to the publication of two editions of the work, with engravings pulled from the same printing plates; this is from the second edition, uncolored as issued. Interior view of an ammonium salt manufacturer. Ammonium salts may be used as disinfectants. .