DESCARTES, René. Opera Philosophica.Amsterdam, Johannes Janssonius, 1656-585 parts in 2 vols 4to, mm. 230x170; quarter calf half of XIXth century, gilt tiltes and ornaments on the spine. I: pp. [36], 241, red and black Title page; pp. 199. II: pp. 108, with half title; pp. [10], 226; pp. [16], 290 [i.e. 288], omitted in the numbering p. 257-258, red and black Title page; pp. [20], 115, [5]. In opening of the first volume of Descartes beautiful portrait engraved on copper by J. F. Meurs from a painting by Franz Hals; in the text numerous engravings on wood with geometric and astronomical figures and physical experiences. Illegible handwritten annotation of the ancient possessor on Title page of the first volume and the end of the second. Half title of the first volume reinforced, some unrelated pages, diffuse foxing and brownings on different pages due to the quality of paper, genuine specimen.

Important issue with the philosophical works of Descartes. Based on Elzeviriana third edition, this impression of Janssonius bears the Editio Last words; the various treatises contained herein contain different dates, from 1656 to 1658. Since they were also sold separately, are title pages and self-numbering. They are, in order: I. Principia Philosophiae; II. Epistola ad celeberrimun Virum D. Gisbertum Voetium; III. Meditationes de Prima Philosophia; IV. Specimina Philosophiae: seu Dissertatio de Methodo recte regendae rationis, & veritatis in scientiis indagandae; Dioptrice et Meteora...; V. Passiones Animae. Honeyman: “The Principia Philosophiae contains Descartes' famous vortex theory by which he tried to reconcile Copernican astronomy with Biblical teaching. It also contains the first scientific theory of magnetism.” La prima edizione elzeviriana dell'opera filosofica apparve nel 1644, e venne poi progressivamente incrementata fino alla terza, la più completa; le successive edizioni elzeviriane ne furono mere ristampe. Honeyman, n. 856, edizione del 1644; Tchemerzine, IV, p. 199[a]; Bibl. Nationale, Cat. Ouvr. Descartes, n. 205. The Lot is offered with a valid export licence.