Amusement philosophique sur le langage des bestes.
Paris: Chez Gissey, Bordelet, Ganeau, 1739]. First edition of the first part, early edition of the second part. Light wear at binding extremities. A very good copy. [ Together with: ] [ Aubert de la Chesnaye Desbois, François-Alexandre]. Lettre ¡a Madame la Comtesse D***. Pour servir de Supplément à l’amusement Philosophique sure le langage des Bétes. [Paris: 1739?]. Twelvemo. 46 pp. Bound together in contemporary mottled calf, gilt-decorated spine with burgundy morocco label. Twelvemo. [4], 157, [3, approbation et privilége] pp. Item #14252
Bougéant (1690-1743) was a Jesuit and teacher of classics at the College of Caen and Nevers. His Amusement philosophiques sur le langage des betes was a satirical work, attacking the Cartesian tenet that animals do not have souls and function as machines, and thus are unworthy of our compassion. Bougéant contends that animals may have souls, but they are the souls of demons, and hence animals are again, not worthy of our kindness. This work resulted in Bougéant's exile from Paris. Aubert de la Chesnaye-Desbois (1699-1824), the author of Dictionnaire de la Noblesse de France (1770-1786) and other dictionaries, condemns Bougéant’s satire.
Cioranescu 13210. See Catholic Encyclopedia.
Price: $600.00