HARTLEY, David. Observations on Man, his Frame, his Duty, and his Expections. In two parts. Part the First: containing Observations on the Frame of the Human Body and Mind, and on their mutual connexions and influences [Part the Second: containing Observa

HARTLEY, David. Observations on Man, his Frame, his Duty, and his Expections. In two parts. Part the First: containing Observations on the Frame of the Human Body and Mind, and on their mutual connexions and influences [Part the Second: containing Observations on the Duty and Expectations of Mankind]. London: J. Johnson. 1791.

Two volumes: [ii], xvi, iv, 512; xii, 455[1] pp; some scattered foxing or light browning. Contemporary tree calf, gilt decorated spines, some wear to spines, joints cracked.

First published in 1749, with a quarto edition also published in 1791. The Sketch of the Life and Character by David Hartley, the author's son, with Notes and Additions by H.A. Pistorius, were published as an additional volume. The first part of the work presents Hartley's (1705-1757) basic theory and its applications to the mind, its powers and its affections; his basic theory is a synthesis of the psychological doctrine of assocation with Newton's doctrine of vibrations, of the oscillating motion of subtle bodies through a fluid; the first part also includes descriptions of the operations of the senses, the formation of complex ideas and passions, and explanations of involuntary and semi-voluntary processes. The second part deals with morality and religion.