Robert Wallace - Essai sur la différence du nombre des hommes dans les tems anciens et modernes - 1754

WALLACE (Robert)

Essay on the difference in the number of men in ancient and modern times.

London, n.d., 1754.

One small octavo volume (16.5 x 10 cm), marbled calfskin (contemporary binding), smooth spine with gilt decoration, morocco title label, marbled edges, [2]-ii-292 pages (complete). Very good condition.

First French edition translated by the Chevalier de Joncourt of this philosophical essay by Robert Wallace.
This work is the counterpart to David Hume's Essay on the Population of Ancient Nations, published in 1752.
Wallace believed that the population density of his time was much lower than that of antiquity.
He explained this in particular by the change that had occurred in religion, the abolition of slavery, the lack of encouragement of marriage, trade with India and the New World, the development of luxury, etc.

Good specimen.