Observations physiques et morales sur l'Instinct des animaux, leur industrie & leurs moeurs...Ouvrage traduit de l'Allemand sur la derniere Edition, Par Mr. Reneaume de Latache.
Amsterdam: Chez D. J. Changuion, 1770. First edition in French of Allgemeine Betrachtungen über die Triebe der Thiere (1760), one of the earliest texts on instinct theory. In what may be his most important work, Reimarus (1694-1768) discusses animal psychology and attempts to classify the instincts of animals. Engraved title-page vignettes; titles printed in black and red. Half-titles preserved. Corners rubbed. A very good set. Contemporary mottled calf, gilt spines with burgundy and black labels, edges stained red. Two volumes, twelvemo. [4]. [lvi], 288; [4], 373 pp. Item #13497
Reimarus studied philosophy and theology at Jena. His philosophical outlook was based upon the ideas of Christian Wolff, though he dissented from Wolff in his views of philosophical methodology, stressing the moral aim of philosophy. His best known work, Wolfenbuttel Fragments, was published posthumously by Lessing in 1777.
Price: $750.00