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Two Treatises in the One of which, the Nature of Bodies; in the other, the Nature of Mans Soule; is Looked into: in the way of discovery, of the Immortality of Reasonable Soules (1644)
DIGBY, Sir Kenelm (1603-1665)
Paris: Gilles Blaizot
First edition
34.5cm x 23.5cm
1644
MD108
Folio, pp [44], 466. 34.5cm x 23.5cm. Bound in full brown leather (19th century), six raised bands, gilt rule to the spine, gilt lettering on brown leather title-piece, gilt decorated edges. Armorial bookplate of Duke of Somerset to front paste-down. No inscriptions or other p.o. markings. Page 269 incorrectly numbered 299.
Some browning to p 339/340, short tear to top margin of p329, otherwise the book is in excellent condition, a most impressive example.
Rare first printing of Digby’s most important scientific work, which was reprinted in octavo format in London in 1645. As a Catholic and royalist, Digby spent much time in France in exile where he conversed with many intellectual and political leaders of the time including René Descartes. In Two Treatises, Digby’s goal was to portray the immortality of the human soul.
In the first Treatise, The Nature of Bodies, Digby explores the nature of physical bodies. He delves into questions related to the composition, properties, and behavior of material substances. Digby's approach to understanding the natural world reflects the scientific and philosophical inquiries of his time, which sought to unravel the mysteries of the physical universe through observation, experimentation, and reason. The second treatise, the Nature of Man’s Soul, focuses on the nature of the human soul. Digby investigates the immaterial aspect of human existence, contemplating the essence of the soul, its capacities, and its relationship to the body. He discusses topics such as consciousness, cognition, and the potential for immortality inherent in the human soul.
Digby's work contributed to the broader discourse on metaphysics, epistemology, and natural philosophy during the early modern period. His exploration of the nature of bodies and souls reflects his engagement with the intellectual challenges and debates of his time, offering insights into the complex interplay between the material and spiritual dimensions of reality.
Some browning to p 339/340, short tear to top margin of p329, otherwise the book is in excellent condition, a most impressive example.
Rare first printing of Digby’s most important scientific work, which was reprinted in octavo format in London in 1645. As a Catholic and royalist, Digby spent much time in France in exile where he conversed with many intellectual and political leaders of the time including René Descartes. In Two Treatises, Digby’s goal was to portray the immortality of the human soul.
In the first Treatise, The Nature of Bodies, Digby explores the nature of physical bodies. He delves into questions related to the composition, properties, and behavior of material substances. Digby's approach to understanding the natural world reflects the scientific and philosophical inquiries of his time, which sought to unravel the mysteries of the physical universe through observation, experimentation, and reason. The second treatise, the Nature of Man’s Soul, focuses on the nature of the human soul. Digby investigates the immaterial aspect of human existence, contemplating the essence of the soul, its capacities, and its relationship to the body. He discusses topics such as consciousness, cognition, and the potential for immortality inherent in the human soul.
Digby's work contributed to the broader discourse on metaphysics, epistemology, and natural philosophy during the early modern period. His exploration of the nature of bodies and souls reflects his engagement with the intellectual challenges and debates of his time, offering insights into the complex interplay between the material and spiritual dimensions of reality.
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