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an old book with writing on it sitting on a tablean old book with writing on it sitting on a tablean old brown book sitting on top of a glass tablean old book inside of a clear plastic bagan old book with a picture of a coat of arms on it
BLANCHET & Associés

260 - DIGBY (Chevalier)
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Estimate €200 - €300
Sale commission
Description
DIGBY (Chevalier) A discourse delivered at a renowned gathering, concerning the healing of wounds by ‘sympathy powder’, in which its composition is explained, and several other wonders of nature are discussed … Accompanied by the copy printed in Paris by A. Courbé & P. Moet, 1666, in 12°, 160 pp. Full contemporary binding in grained calfskin. Spine with 5 raised bands, divided and decorated with floral motifs, bearing the title in gold lettering; gilt roulette on the edges; marbled edges. Upper cap worn; one corner rubbed; a dark circular stain on the front cover. A rare third French edition of this treatise on ‘sympathy powder’, the first edition dating from 1658. It is worth noting that the vitriol-based preparation, the secret of which Sir Digby purchased from an Italian monk, caused a sensation at the court of James I and in France under the name ‘sympathy powder’. In his principles of healing, Digby seems to have anticipated magnetism 100 years before Mesmer. Indeed, does he not state that “every body emits a continuous emanation of atoms from itself” and that “the strong imagination of one person acts marvellously upon that of another who is weaker and more passive”? ¶ Rare Caillet no. 3124 – Dorbon does not cite this edition – Ferguson I.213 (not this edition) “Digby was a member of the nucleus of experimental philosophers who afterwards founded the Royal Society” – Krivatsy no. 3242 (not this edition).
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About the sale Parisian interiors – Works of art – Fashion – Fine perfumery: around 80 collectable fragrances from the 19th and 20th centuries; a significant Guerlain collection by expert Bernard Gangler
Auction location
Auction time 09/30/2026 at 1:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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