Encyclopaedia Britannica, or, A dictionary of arts, sciences. Edinburgh: Balfour, Gordon, Bell [et al], 1778-1783. 10 volumes with continuous pagination (some misnumbering.) With 344 plates, including 4 tables and 1 folding chart in hand-color. 10.25" x 8". Bound in period full calf boards, sympathetically rebacked with labels in gilt, one hinge cracked but board holding, some loss to corners and edges. Contents with mild age-tone, light soiling in places, a few marginal chips and closed tears, one plate shaved, some old water-stains in places to various volumes though volume 7 with heavier stains to the lower portion of the text throughout, else a clean set overall. A Very Good example overall. *********************** The scarce second edition of this famous encyclopedia. This edition included histories and biographies not present in the first, and it contains roughly double the number of plates. [Weight of lot, 52 lbs.]