Lot 38: BERKELEY, George (1685-1753). The Analyst; or, A Discourse addressed to an Infidel

BERKELEY, George (1685-1753). The Analyst; or, A Discourse addressed to an Infidel Mathematician. London: J. Tonson, 1734. With final errata leaf. (Title browned at margins.) [Bound with:] [James JURIN (1684-1750)]. Geometry No Friend to Infidelity; or, A Defence of Sir Issac Newton and the British Mathematicians in a letter to the author of the Analyst... by Philalethes Cantabrigiensis. London: T. Cooper, 1734. Annotations on C1r and L3r. [and:] G. BERKLEY. A Defence of Free-Thinking in Mathematics in answer to a pamphlet of Philalethes Cantabrigiensis. London: J. Tonson, 1735. (Some light browning.) [and:] [J. JURIN]. The Minute Mathematician: or, The Free-Thinker no Just-Thinker, set forth in a second letter to the author of the Analyst... by Philalethes Cantabrigiensis. London: T. Cooper, 1735. (Headline and first line of A3 affected by paper fault and with laminated repair on verso, later quires waterstained at lower margin.)

4 works in one volume, 8° (194 x 114mm). Contemporary calf, speckled edges (rebacked, old spine preserved, endpapers renewed, front inner hinges strengthened but split). FIRST EDITIONS. A.A. Luce, author of the Life of Berkeley, called the Analyst 'in part a criticism of Newton's doctrine of Fluxions, and in part an argument ad hominem for Christianity.' The 'Infidel Mathematician' was probably Edmund Halley who had become notorious by convincing Dr. Samuel Garth to renounce Christianity on his deathbed. Jurin's reply to Berkeley, on behalf of the Newtonians, 'started a controversy among mathematicians which lasted for many years and is still remembered.' Keynes George Berkeley 32, 35, 36 and 38.

BERKELEY, G. Alciphron: or, The Minute Philosopher [with An Essay towards a New Theory of Vision]. London: J. Tonson, 1732. 2 volumes, 8° (195 x 117mm). Engraved title vignettes, woodcut diagrams. Final blank at end of each volume. Contemporary calf, spines gilt, red speckled edges (joints split, spines slightly frayed at head and foot, a few scuff marks to covers, corners bumped). Provenance: PRESENTATION COPY (title to vol. I inscribed at head: 'Given by the Author'; small textual corrections to E4v, E5v and F6v of vol. I), possibly to: -- A. Warriner (ownership inscription in both vols.) -- Walter Long (19th-century bookplate). FIRST EDITION of the Alciphron dialogues, 'regarded as an oustanding example of English literature among works on philosophy,' which were written in Newport, Rhode Island, 1729-31, and published in Tonson's handsome edition early in 1732. The two engraved vignettes show 'the Fountain of Living Waters' and 'The Balances of Deceit.' Keynes George Berkeley 15; Rothschild 374.

BERKELEY, G. A Miscellany containing several tracts on various subjects. London: J. and R. Tonson, 1752. 8° (200 x 120mm). Contemporary calf with morocco lettering-piece (joints cracked, corners rubbed, lettering-piece slightly damaged). Provenance: Goodmay (signature on title). FIRST LONDON EDITION, following the Dublin edition of the same year. The Miscellany contained the first printing of a revised version of 'Verses on the Prospect of Planting Arts and Learning in America,' and the first printing of 'Farther Thoughts on Tar-Water,' Berkeley's final word on the subject. Keynes George Berkeley 141. (4)

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