Lot 689
  • 689

Ray, John

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description

  • Ray, John
  • The Wisdom of God Manifested in the Works of the Creation, in Two Parts. London: Printed for Samuel Smith, at the Princes Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard, 1692
  • paper
8vo (7 1/8 x 4 1/4 in.; 180 x 108 mm). Title within double-ruled border; some very light browning. Contemporary red morocco elaborately gilt in a cottage-roof design with central gilt-stamped cipher of William and Mary, and smaller versions at four corners and on spine, by Robert Steel; a few scratches, extremities rubbed.

Provenance

Augustus Maitland (according to a descendants note on flyleaf verso) — Helen M. Everard (gift of her mother with inscription dated 1865). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch & Christopher Edwards, 2004

 

Literature

Wing R411; ESTC R33771; Keynes 60

Condition

some very light browning. Contemporary red morocco elaborately gilt in a cottage-roof design with central gilt-stamped cipher of William and Mary, and smaller versions at four corners and on spine, by Robert Steel; a few scratches, extremities rubbed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Second edition. "Basing himself on sermons he had delivered in the chapel of Trinity College, Ray produced a coherent natural theology in which the evidence of the heavens, geology, botany, zoology, and human anatomy suggested the providential action of a benevolent deity who was responsible for the creation of all things. He was critical of those ancient and modern authors, including Aristotle and Descartes, whose work appeared to give succour to atheists or deists" (ONDB).