Henry More - Enchiridion Metaphysicum - 1671

Henry More (1614–1687)

Enchiridion Metaphysicum: sive, De Rebus Incorporeis Succincta & Luculenta Dissertatio. Pars Prima. De Existentia & Natura Rerum Incorporearum in Genere.
London, Typis E. Flesher, at Guilielmus Morden, 1671.

First edition. Latin text.

Important work by Henry More, among the principal exponents of the Cambridge Platonists, devoted to metaphysics and natural philosophy, with extensive discussions of physics, cosmology, gravity, hydrostatics, pneumatics, magnetism, optics, colours, astronomy, atmospheric phenomena and perception.
The volume is richly illustrated in the text with numerous scientific, geometric and experimental figures.
Frontispiece printed in red and black.
There are a dedication, a preface, an Imprimatur dated 21 July 1670, errata, the main text up to p. 403 and subsequent Arguments of singular chapters and sections, concluded by Finis.

Pagination: [20], 403, [29] pp., for a total of 452 pages / 226 leaves.
Collation of the copy:
¶⁴, A–Z⁴, Aa–Zz⁴, Aaa–Iii⁴, Kkk².
The copy has been gathered fascicle by fascicle. All standard fascicles consist of four leaves; the final fascicle Kkk consists of two leaves, the first signed Kkk and the second unsigned. No missing leaves were found in the collated copy.

Binding and condition
Old full calf binding, back with raised bands. The binding shows abrasions, wear, small losses and traces of time, compatible with the volume’s age.
The inner joints show weakness and wear, clearly documented in the photographs. The binding remains attached to the volume nonetheless.
Internally well preserved overall. Occasional stains, foxing/browning, small marks, halos and normal signs of use and age. Conditions may vary slightly from leaf to leaf.
The numerous figures in the text are generally clear and legible.

The photographs constitute an integral part of the description and document the actual state of the copy, including binding, hinges, paper, frontispiece, inner pages and the illustration apparatus. We therefore invite you to examine carefully all the images before purchase.