Eight maps of Paris from Traité de la police

The chronological series of eight maps of Paris from Traité de la police ("Treatise on the Police") is among the earliest attempts to illustrate historical change with maps and shows the growth of Paris from Roman times up to 1705, the year of publication.

[1] The four-volume Traité de la police by Nicolas de La Mare (1639–1723),[2] a Paris magistrate (commissaire) who specialized in urban problems and services, is a pioneering work of urban administration.

The eight maps were included in the first volume, published in 1705, to accompany a discussion of the historical basis of the plans.

Goffart believes that about 1715, de Fer copied the entire set of eight and published them by his own name, and is therefore sometimes credited as the sole author.

[6] His name also appears as the signature at the end of the 'Epistre' [modern spelling: épître, preliminary letter of dedication] to that volume.