Disquisitions relating to Matter and Spirit. To which is added, the History of the Philosophical Doctrine concerning the Origin of the Soul, and the Nature of Matter; with its Influence on Christianity, especially with Respect to the Doctrine of the Pre-existence of Christ.

Priestley, Joseph.

Published by London: Printed for J. Johnson, 1777., 1777

About this Item

ÒConvinced that materialism was the natural metaphysical concomitant of HartleyÕs associative psychology, he [Priestley] set out, therefore in his Disquisitions Relating to Matter and Spirit to demonstrate that materialism was theologically, scientifically, and metaphysically superior to orthodox dualismÓ (John Passmore, Encyclopedia of Philosophy). The Disquisitions is described by John Stephens in the Dictionary of Eighteenth-Century British Philosophers as ÒPriestleyÕs most important philosophical work, containing the fullest expression of his rejection of dualism.Ó Octavo. xxxix, [3], 356, [4, advertisements] pp. Engraved frontispiece after Bartolozzi. Contemporary calf over sprinkled boards, red skiver label, edges sprinkled red. Joints cracking and neatly repaired. Nineteenth century bookplate and library stamp on verso of title of Trinity College Lending Library, Dublin. Some light foxing to plate and offsetting to title. A good copy. First edition.

Seller Inventory # 13672

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Disquisitions relating to Matter and Spirit. To which is added, the History of the Philosophical Doctrine concerning the Origin of the Soul, and the Nature of Matter; with its Influence on Christianity, especially with Respect to the Doctrine of the Pre-existence of Christ.
• Publisher: London: Printed for J. Johnson, 1777.
• Publication Date: 1777
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition