Opera Philosophica - Sammelband 3 Works In 1 - Principia Philosophiae, Specimina Philosophiae including Meteora, Passiones Animae *200+ WOODCUTS* Rene Descartes

Opera Philosophica - sammelband of three separately printed major philosophical works of Rene Descartes bound together. 2nd editions of each work. Each work is textually complete. Overall condition: VERY GOOD (1) PRINCIPIA PHILOSOPHIAE (Principles of Philosophy) Contains a systematic summary of Cartesian metaphysics, cosmology and physics. The cosmology of the 'Principia' was widely considered Descartes' most significant achievement in the 2nd half of the 17th century. The work, in its rigorous implementation of the principle of mechanical explanation of nature and in its imposing reduction of all phenomena to a few principles, offers the first most effective alternative to Aristotelian scholastic physics. (2) SPECIMINA PHILOSOPHIAE (Examples of Philosophy) Specimina philosophiæ sev dissertatio de methodo (Specimens of philosophy or a dissertation on method) Page 28 with Descartes most famous phrase: Eco cogito, ergo sum sive existo - I think, therefore I am The first scientific-philosophical work written in French, the mathematical-philosophical "Dioptrice" and the "Météores". The translation from French was done by Descartes' friend Etienne de Courcelles and it was reviewed by Descartes himself. The work is of special importance because of the true law of the calculation of light, the explanation of the rainbow and the theory of the winds, which was communicated for the first time in the "Dioptrica" and the "Météora" within this work. (3) PASSIONES ANIMAE (Passions of the Soul) Descartes' fullest account of the interaction between soul and body, and his most significant contribution to moral philosophy. Descartes noted that the soul is unbound and free of the physical body in which it dwells. It remains the most extensive account of Descartes' behavioral physiology to be published in his lifetime. ABOUT THE BOOK Each work was published independently in 1650 in Latin by the famous Elzevir press in Amsterdam. Principia is a second edition. Specimena and Passiones are second Latin editions. All works bound together in contemporary 17th century French textured grained full calf binding: five raised spine bands separate richly gilt decorated compartments, with compartment two also containing gilt title lettering; all edges with red speckling. Together, the Principia and Specimina contain hundreds of fantastic woodcuts, ranging in size from small vignette to full-page. Each work with decorated woodcut initials. A few woodcut tail pieces. Separate title page for each work with woodcut printer device. Small quarto, 8.5" x 6.5". Collated and complete: Principia philosophiae 1650 (2nd edition); [40], 302 Specimina Philosophiae 1650 (2nd edition); [16], 316 Passiones animae 1650 (2nd Latin edition); [24], 98, [6] CONDITION REPORT: VERY GOOD. Textually complete. Missing some blank flyleaves. Exterior and binding - Square spine, firm hinges and joints. Rubbed and worn boards and spine bands with areas of discoloration from centuries of handling. Worn corners. Leather worn away at crown and heel of spine. Abrasion/insect chewing to fore-edge of first several dozen pages, not affecting text. Toned edges. A few stains. Interior - grubby and soiled endpapers. Lightly toned pages. Mostly light foxing throughout. Signs of handling - an occasional smudge, light crease, area of thumbing or bent page corner. A few pages with light water dampening along the gutters. No worming, writing or ex libris marks. Overall, VERY GOOD antiquarian condition for three second editions of Descartes most important philosophical works comprising what is deemed his Opera Philosophica