Descartes, René

8vo (153 x 92mm.), woodcut printer's device on title-page, woodcut initials, near-contemporary English speckled calf, English printer's waste used in binding, boards detached

Sir Henry Edward Bunbury (1778-1860), armorial bookplate and his crest at head of spine

Guibert, Passions 1; Norman 626; Willems 1083

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

FIRST EDITION of Descartes' last work, in which he expounds the view that the mind works independently of the body (now known as Cartesian Dualism). It is one of only two works that he published in French. The printing was carried out by Elzevir and the publication was shared between Elzevir and Henry le Gras of Paris, with the bulk of the copies having the Paris imprint. Elzevir reprinted the whole text in 1650, while in Paris the 1649 sheets were reissued with a new title-page dated 1650 and then 1651.

The printer's waste contains part of A copy of a letter from the Earle of Essex, by order of the pretended Houses of Parliament, to Prince Rupert: with His Highnesse answer thereunto (Oxford: Leonard Lichfield, 1645), pages 1-4 of 8 (Wing E3310).