Descartes, René

8vo (164 x 110mm.), woodcut vignette on title-page, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, woodcut illustrations (some full-page, of which 2 folded to avoid cropping), with final blank leaf, contemporary calf, spine gilt in compartments, speckled edges, occasional light browning, spine and extremities repaired, upper joint starting to crack

Guibert p.211; Tchemerzine vol. IV, p.311 (imprint b); cf. Norman 629 (later issue, with Girard's imprint)

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, SECOND ISSUE, published posthumously; "Descartes's first attempt to explain the formation of the physical world was composed during the 1630s but suppressed, like L'Homme, after Galileo's condemnation" (Norman, p.228).

The privilege was granted to Jacques le Gras for him to share with Michel Bobin, Nicolas le Gras and Theodore Girard; accordingly copies are known with variant imprints.