Amsterdam et Leipzig, J. Schreuder & Pierre Mortier, 1755. 4to. Contemp. full mottled calf. Raised bands, richly gilt spine, titlelabel with gilt lettering. A tiny nick to lower spine end and very light wear to top of spine. Engraved portrait of Locke. Title printed in red a.black with engraved vignette. (2),XXXVII,(3),603,(18) pp. Faint browning to the last leaves, otherwise fine and clean, broadmargined.
First French translation of Locke's main work (An Essay concerning Human Understanding. London 1690), but the 5th edition, the first appeared 1700. The translator Pierre Coste knew Locke well and the translation was approved by Locke himself. - Lockes investigations into the foundations of human knowledge "was continued by Hume and Kant; Hume enquired critically into 'the real nature of that evidence which assures us any real existence...beyond the testimony of our senses*; Kant tried to explain the rational constitution of experience. Locke's design was less penetrating and subtle but it covers a remarkably wide field of investigation into human knowledge: it is the first modern attempt to analyse it." (Printing and the Mind of Man No. 164). - Brunet III:1128
Order-nr.: 40283