Boyle Robert - Cogitationes de S. Scripture Stylo - 1680

Robert Boyle. Cogitationes de S. Scripture Stylo. Geneva at Samuel de Tournes, 1680. A rare original Latin edition of the scarce treatise on the literary style of the Bible by the famous Irish chemist and philosopher. The work defends the Bible from criticisms that deemed its literary style rudimentary compared with the standards of classical rhetoric, arguing that the style of the Scriptures is deliberately simple and varied in order to speak to people of every culture and level of intellect. The treatise compares the Gospels in a quasi-scientific manner, noting that apparent incongruities do not undermine their essential harmony. Unbound but well sewn. Large printer’s mark engraved on the frontispiece. Woodcut headpieces and initials. Dimensions 24 x 17 cm, pages 14 unnumbered, 87. Excellent condition.