Samuel Johnson | Franklin's edition of Elementa Philosophica

Samuel Johnson

Elementa Philosophica: Containing chiefly, Noetica, or Things relating to the Mind or Understanding: and Ethica, or Things relating to the Moral Behaviour. Philadelphia: Printed by B. Franklin, and D. Hall, at the New-Printing-Office, near the Market, 1752

8vo (190 x 120 mm). With the general title-page, sometimes lacking, dedication and advertisement leaves, both section titles, half-title to Ethica only, woodcut printer's device and tailpieces, various printed tables including that inserted after leaf G4; lacking half-title to Noetica, foxed and toned throughout with some gatherings more significantly browned, slight dampstaining to top margin of last few gatherings, spotting and staining, a few marginal tears, instances of contemporary marginalia. Contemporary brown sheep ruled in blind, spine with raised bands in six compartments; upper joint nearly detached but holding, overall rubbed with some loss, corners bumped, closed tear to front free endpaper. Half blue morocco slipcase, chemise.

This was the first textbook on moral philosophy printed in the colonies, with the first Franklin edition of Noetica and second edition of Ethica, as usual.

Franklin's publication of these two of Samuel Johnson's works was largely unsuccessful. While he printed an edition of 500 copies, the work sold poorly; of those 500, not "more than 50" sold in the Middle Colonies (Miller). Nevertheless, revised editions of the work went on to achieve greater success.

REFERENCES

Miller 554; ESTC W31840; Evans 6859; Hildeburn 1262; Sabin 36291

PROVENANCE

John Kirke (inscription, Philadelphia, February 1757 on front free endpaper, struck through) — John Crozier (signature on title-page) — unidentified ink stamp on first two leaves