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OBSERVATIONS PHYSIQUES ET MORALES SUR L'INSTINCT DES ANIMAUX, LEUR INDUSTRIE & LEURS MOEURS.
(Amsterdam: Chez D. J. Changuion, 1770). 169 x 104 mm. (6 3/4 x 4"). Two volumes. Translated from the German by Réneume de Latache.
Inexpensive contemporary half sheepskin over sprinkled paper boards, smooth spine divided into panels by gilt rules, one tan and one black morocco label. Engraved printer's device on title pages. Verso of half titles with bookplate of M. Le Syndic [Jean-Louis] Masbou, dated 1827. Leather with minor stains and losses, isolated spots of foxing, but in most ways a beautiful copy--the spine ends and joints unworn, and the text extraordinarily fresh and with virtually no signs of use.
This is a really excellent contemporary copy of an early edition of a French translation of the first attempt at a rigorous analysis of animal behavior. Hermann Samuel Reimarus (1694-1768) is largely remembered for his contributions to Deist philosophy, but his wide-ranging research interests included mathematics, philology, and economics, as well as natural history, as evidenced in the present work, initially published in German in 1760. Reimar argues in the text here for instinct as a driving factor in animals' actions, rather than a response to bodily necessities or taught behavior. Our French translation, by journalist and natural historian Jacques Réneaume de Latache (1725-96), features additional notes and commentary, concerning Latache's own observations of animals. These include such charming details as the romance of butterflies and the work ethic of beavers. Our copy is from the library of Jean-Louis Masbou (1770-1836), an important player in Geneva politics in the early 19th century. Masbou held several government posts between 1814 and 1832, including serving as one of the four mayors, or syndics, six times during the period between 1821-32. This bookplate was evidently produced during one of these mayorships, as it refers to the syndic office. Our 1770 Amsterdam printing seems to be the only collectible edition that appears on the market. (ST20535-03)
Price: $450.00