Philosophie de l'univers.
Paris: de l'imprimerie de Du Pont, [1792] Stock Code: 122980
In an attractive contemporary binding
First edition of Dupont's "treatise attempting to state a philosophy of life" (Saricks) dedicated to his long-time friend Lavoisier, in an attractive contemporary binding. "From the dates given at the beginning of the book, the Philosophie de l'univers was apparently written between December 20, 1792, and June 10, 1793. With the Philosophie, Du Pont included the Oromasis, a prose-poem which, according to his statement in the preface, was written while he was concealed in the Observatory after August 10. Although of inferior quality, this little work displays the same sublime optimism which Condorcet was able to muster in somewhat similar circumstances while composing his famous essay on human progress The basis of his 'philosophy of the universe' is that nothing is done by chance. Providential laws direct the whole universe, as accords with good physiocratic doctrine" (ibid.).Description
Octavo (194 x 123 mm). Contemporary tree calf, red morocco spine label, compartments formed by gilt fillet with floral centre-tools, the fourth with elaborate lozenge pattern, turquoise marbled endpapers, edges yellow.
Illustrations
Engraved vignette title pages for Philosophie de l'univers and Oromasis, tailpieces.
Condition
Pencil annotations to initial blank and several marks and notes to the text. Head and foot of spine chipped with some small areas of wear to extremities, joints starting and front hinge cracked but firm, half-title thinned with a little loss to lower corner, overall a very good copy.
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