Philosophical and Miscellaneous Papers – Benjamin Franklin – 1787 | First Edition

Philosophical and Miscellaneous Papers by Benjamin Franklin, first published in 1787, is a collection of Franklin’s reflections on invention, diplomacy, correspondence, and life in Colonial America. This first edition includes a thorough description of his ‘smokeless stove’, now known as the Franklin Stove, as well as a commentary on the challenges Americans faced following the Revolution.

It is, however, the inclusion of Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America that sets this edition apart from other collections of Franklin’s work. In this essay, Franklin counters stereotypes of Native tribes with examples from the Susquehanna, Onondaga, and Six Nations on their agreeableness and willingness to have civil debate.

It also features four folding engravings, none more desirable than the complete map of New England entitled “Chart of the Gulf Stream”.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Philosophical and Miscellaneous Papers
• Author(s): Benjamin Franklin
• Publisher: Printed for C. Dilly, London
• Edition: 1787. First edition.
  • First issue with page 25 misnumbered “52”
• Format: (8vo), single volume
• Binding: Full leather
• Size:  8.5 in x 5.5 in (21.6 cm x 14 cm)
• Collation: [6], 186 pp
• Illustrations: 4 folding engravings
  • Franklin Stove, inventions, ship design, Gulf Stream map
• Contents Include:
  • Description of the Franklin Stove
  • Letter to Mr. Alphonsus le Roy
  • Information to Those Who Would Remove to America
  • Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America
  • The Internal State of America

Condition:

Near Fine. Professionally restored, exquisite modern leather with gilt tooling on the covers. All tight, clean, and secure.

Why Collect This?

• First edition of Franklin’s collected writings
• Includes rare Gulf Stream map and technical engravings
• Addresses early views on American society and Native culture
• Printed in London during Franklin’s lifetime

Item Number: # 29520