De Rerum Natura Libri Sex.

fine red morocco

A lovely eighteenth-century French edition of Roman philosopher Lucretius's On the Nature of Things, a work of Epicureanism that delves into the constitution of matter and the structure of the universe, as well as human physiology. This edition is illustrated with seven plates described as 'très jolies' by Henri & de Ricci (Guide de l'Amateur de Livres a Gravures de XVIIIe Siecle); they were engraved by Claude Duflos after works by the Dutch Golden Age painter Frans van Mieris.

Lucretius's physics is remarkably similar to the modern understanding. He posits that all matter is composed of atoms, indivisible and imperceptible particles operating in an otherwise empty and infinite universe, and argues that all natural phenomena, including human cognition, operate based on physical laws and not the actions of gods or spirits. He even comes close to the laws of thermodynamics, stating that matter cannot be created from nothing, nor fully destroyed.

12mo (14.75 x 8.5 cm); engraved half title and 6 plates, woodcut publisher's device to title, headpieces and decorative initials, some very light offsetting but overall contents fresh; contemporary French red morocco, spine gilt in compartments, triple gilt fillets, gilt roll to turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, blue silk bookmark, just a little rubbing at the extremities, a fine copy; 288pp.