Description de l’Egypte (original) (raw)

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  The digital collection of
  The Description de l'Egypte was the outcome of the collaboration of more than 150 prominent scholars and scientists who accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798, and some 2000 talented artists and technicians.
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  The digital collection of
  For over 20 years, they systematically examined almost every aspect of contemporary and ancient Egyptian civilization, producing 20 volumes of text and plates of unmatched accuracy and detail. Historically the engravings became the most comprehensive record and inventory of Egypt's land and monuments.
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  The digital collection of
  Today, with the efforts of the BA International School of Information Science ISIS, the preservation of this valuable collection has been possible. The 11 plate volumes, owned by the Bibliotheca Alexandrine, and the 9 text volumes, owned by l'Institut d'Egypte, have been fully digitized, integrated on a virtual browser and made accessible to the public through this pioneering endeavor.

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Plate Volumes

The 11 volumes of plates have been recorded in three sections: Antiquities, the Modern State and Natural History. Hundreds of artists participated to produce more than 3000 illustrations in a large size approximately 52x71cm format, edited by the best minds. The illustrations cover wide-ranging themes such as historical constructions, flora and fauna, landscapes, customs of the inhabitants, industries, commerce, agriculture, tools and goods for daily use.

The cultural and scientific elite of France, accompanying the expeditionary force, compiled information sufficient to produce what was then the largest publication in the world. A Commission of Science and Art, and l'Institut d'Egypte were founded. Under their aegis, virtually all Egypt's patrimony was systematically cataloged, mapped and meticulously described, from the obelisks to the vast statues on the banks of the Nile, as well as the country's flora and fauna. The 9 volumes of text hold comprehensive information about modern Egyptian society, as well as Egypt's physical environment and natural resources.