Bluteau (Rafael) Prosas portuguezas, recitadas em differentes Congressos Academicos, 2 parts in 1, first edition, double column, double-page letterpress table of letters and corresponding numbers or words after p.376 of part 1, part 1 2I6 outer margin neatly trimmed away, part 2 G3 repaired tear to lower margin, occasional spotting, lightly browned, faded ink inscription of episcopal library of Cordoba to head of first title, contemporary calf, gilt spine in compartments and with red morocco label, covers with later ornate blind-stamped panelled decoration, joints splitting, but holding firm, spine with a few small wormholes, spine ends and corners worn, rubbed, [Azevedo-Samodães 427; Innocêncio VII, 44; Palha 683], folio, Lisbon, Joseph Antonio da Sylva, 1729.

⁂ Bluteau (1638-1734) was a French cleric of the Theatine order, who arrived in Portugal in 1668. He worked for the Portuguese court to attract foreign artisans to Lisbon, and was instrumental in developing the country's silk and textile industries. An excellent linguist, he is probably best remembered as the compiler of the first Portuguese dictionary. The present work brings together his writings on various subjects, including the culture of silkworms, agriculture, economics, and linguistics.