Philosophie de l'univers. Troisième édition. Augmentée de plusieurs notes et d'une table des matières.
Paris: chez Goujon Fils, 1799 (Fructidor, An VII) Stock Code: 113128
Third and final edition of Dupont's "treatise attempting to state a philosophy of life" (Saricks), first published in 1792 and addressed to his long-time friend Lavoisier. "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, Dupont 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 (196 x 120 mm). Late 19th or early 20th century half calf and marbled boards by George J. Swayne of Brooklyn, spine decorated gilt in compartments, morocco labels, marbled edges and endpapers.
Illustrations
Engraved frontispiece portrait of the author.
Condition
Engraved armorial bookplate of Alexis and Elizabeth du Pont of Rencourt to front pastedown. Paper very lightly toned, very occasional spotting; frontispiece a little frayed at top, image unaffected; a very good copy.
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