(Born: 1797; Died: after 1850?) French writer.

Since its foundation in 1652, the Academy of Caen has attracted to its ranks many Men of Letters and personalities originating from, or connected with, the Orne département. One, M. Odolant-Desnos, called a man of letters in Paris, is mentioned between the years 1830 to 1850, and is probably related (son?) to a noted eighteenth century French historian, Pierre-Joseph Odolant-Desnos [1722-1801]. Joseph Jacques authored works on a variety of topics including mythology, economics, and history. Although other biographical information is obscure, his birth year is given in several sources as 1797.

Biographical references: ABF: I 793, 95-98, II 493, 264. • Biographie Universelle. • Frère, Manuel du Bibliographie Normand, 1857-60. • Internet search. • Nouvelle Biographie Générale (Hoefer). • Oursel, Nouvelle Biographie Normande, 1886. • WBI.

1. French, 1827-8.
Précis de Minéralogie Moderne, précédé d'une Introduction Historique, et suivie d'une Biographie, d'une Bibliographie ... Paris, Encyclopédie Portative, 1827-28.

2 vols. [Vol 1] 16°: viii, 300 p. [Vol 2] 16°: viii, 343 p., 2 engraved plates.

Rare. This small mineralogy that provides a modern introduction to its subject includes historical and biographical notes as well as a bibliography of its subject. It forms parts 20 and 21 of the series Encyclopédie Portrative, ou Résumé Universel des Sciences, des Lettres et des Arts.

Bibliographical references: Agassiz, Bibliographia Geologiæ, 1848-54: 4, 35. • BL [no copy listed]. • BMC: 3, 1462.

2. Italian, 1829-34 [Italian transl.].
Compendio di Mineralogia Moderna. Contenete la Descrizione ... de' Minerali. Preceduto da una Introduzione Storica, e Seguito da una Biografia, da una Bibliografia, e da un Vocabulario de' Termini Tecnici. Milano, Il Editore, 1829-34.

2 vols. 24°.

Very rare. Forms part of the series Enciclopedia Portatile.

Bibliographical references: BL [no copy listed]. • NYPL Catalog.

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