6 works in 2 volumes, 4to (199 x 151/152 mm). Title-page of first work printed in red and black; together, 248 woodcut illustrations; woodcut devices on title-pages. (Some light browning or spotting.) Contemporary calf gilt, spines in 5 compartments with 4 raised bands, each gilt-lettered in one compartment, gilt-decorated in the rest, red and brown speckled edges (some wear, a few joints starting), Provenance: Guy Ahlsell de Toulza (bookplate).

 

FIRST ELZEVIR EDITIONS. Though usually considered a philosopher, Descartes was also a mathematician and scientist who put forth the idea that physical phenomena can be explained through mechanics. Descartes studied the relationship of the human body with the presence of the soul, believing the soul resides in the brain, thus combining philosophical and scientific principles. Many of his theories were discredited using empirical methods by Thomas Bartholin and Nicholas Steno.  First work: Garrison-Morton 574.