Discours de la Méthode
Original edition of the Discourse on the Method in contemporary Dutch vellum, an enviable condition for this masterpiece published in Leiden in 1637.
In-4 of (1) leaf, 78 pp., (1) leaf, 413 pp. and (17) leaves, dampstain in margin of pp. 41 to 47.
Contemporary overlapping vellum, gilt fillet border on covers, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, traces of ties. Slipcase. Contemporary Dutch binding.
203 x 153 mm.
Descartes, René. Discourse on the Method for Properly Conducting One's Reason and Seeking Truth in the Sciences. Plus La Dioptrique, Les Météores and La Géométrie which are essays on this method.
Leiden, Ian Maire, 1637.
“Precious original edition of Descartes’ masterpiece”
Tchemerzine, II, 776; Horblit, One Hundred Books Famous in Science, 24; P.M.M. 129.
After Galileo’s condemnation in 1633, Descartes resolved not to have any work printed during his lifetime. From Holland, to which his desire for solitude and isolation had led him, the philosopher nevertheless continued to correspond with his associates. It was at their insistence that he relented, publishing in 1637 an anthology of his research, which bore the mark of a singular and highly personal approach. Descartes eventually made an arrangement with the bookseller and printer Jean Maire established in Leiden, in exchange for payment of 200 author’s copies.
A fundamental work written in French in order to be more intelligible and accessible, Discourse on the Method marks a major milestone in the development of Western thought in the 17th century.
Through his faith in the unity and power of science, Descartes thoughtfully and very coherently encompasses all human knowledge, unifying it by subordinating it to the existence of a creator. With his rational explanation of nature, he finally emerges as the great precursor of modern rationalism.
“The irredeemable founder of a new vision of the world, Descartes carries the art of thinking to its summit, venturing forth first, forging a path for philosophy, breaking with the past and initiating new beginnings” (Yves Peyré, En français dans le texte).
Discourse on the Method is followed by 3 scientific treatises, La Dioptrique, La Géométrie, and Les Météores, abundantly illustrated with woodcut figures.
Over the last twenty years, the price of this original, like that of most important scientific books, has significantly increased and this trend is likely to continue.
The ideal binding condition for the international market is contemporary vellum, preferably Dutch. Next comes calf, then sheep, and finally later bindings.
Three other copies bound in contemporary vellum, without significant provenance, have appeared on the market in the past 15 years: the first, sold in New York 17 years ago, fetched €200,000.
The second, the Beguin copy described as having “wormholes restored in the margin of several dozen leaves and some foxing”; Paris, 2006, was sold for €180,000 twelve years ago.
The third, sold by Christie’s London on June 2, 2004, lot no. 54 described as “a little light browning, a few spots”, was sold for €250,000 fourteen years ago.
Precious and remarkable copy preserved in its original Dutch vellum binding – a highly desirable condition for this original published in Leiden – with wide margins.
From the library of Joseph Lapierre.
