1713 – Philosophy Lexicon – Stephen Chauvin | First Edition, Huge Folding Engravings

Étienne Chauvin’s Lexicon philosophicum (1713) is a Latin philosophical dictionary known for being one of the best ‘early modern’ lexicons. This book contains terms from classical and scholastic works that were most relevant during the Enlightenment drawing from astronomy, metaphysics, logic, morality, and ethics. Chauvin references famous writers such as Descartes and Gassendi, but it is the 30 enormous, folding engravings at the end of the tome that make it so desirable.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lexicon philosophicum secundis curis Stephani Chauvini ita tum recognitum et castigatum ut denuo quasi novum opus in lucem prodeat
• Author(s): Stephanus Chauvinus
• Publisher: [Leeuwarden] Leovardiae, Excudit F. Halma
• Edition: Revised edition, 1713
• Binding: Full vellum
• Format: Folio (single volume)
• Size:  15.25 in x 10.25 in (38.7 cm x 26.0 cm)
• Collation: 719 pp
• Illustrations: 30 engraved plates, folding
• Contents Include:
  • Alphabetical entries on philosophical and scientific terminology
  • Definitions and discussions across classical, scholastic, and modern thought
  • Engraved plates addressing natural philosophy

Condition:

Good. Vellum binding is secure, with moderate age staining and rubbing at the corners. Pages show scattered fraying and edge wear. Text remains entirely legible. Engravings are complete and well preserved.

Why Collect This?

• First major Latin dictionary of modern philosophical terminology
• Combines ancient, scholastic, and experimental language
• Relevant to collectors of early Enlightenment thought

Item Number: #29954