LE CLERC, Jean (1657-1736). Ars Critica, in qua ad studia linguarum Latinæ, Græcæ, et Hebraicæ, via munitur... Description: No missing pages/pagenumbers. Titlepage is a bit damaged. Amsterdam, Janssonio-Waesbergios, 1730. Fifth edition, enlarged and corrected. Octavo (8vo). Volume 1 only. A seminal work in the history of philology and textual criticism by the renowned scholar Jean Le Clerc. In this treatise, Le Clerc establishes the scientific method for the emendation of ancient texts and the detection of spurious writings in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. This copy features a fine engraved portrait of the author and an allegorical frontispiece. It is bound in contemporary full vellum with a handwritten title on the spine. Condition Report: The vellum binding is solid with typical age-related staining and wear. The interior is generally clean with some light foxing and age-toning consistent with its age. Note: This is the first volume of a multi-volume set. Significance: An essential text for understanding the development of historical and linguistic scholarship during the Enlightenment.