[CHASTELLUX (François Jean marquis de). De la félicité publi - Lot 89

[CHASTELLUX (François Jean marquis de). De la félicité publique. Ou considérations sur le sort des hommes dans les différentes époques de l'histoire. Amsterdam, Marc-Michel Rey, 1772. 2 volumes in one in-8, half marbled basane with small corners, red title page, yellow edges speckled with red (Binding of the period). Goldsmiths, n°10824. - INED, n°1705. - Coquelin & Guillaumin, t. I, p. 337. First edition. A comrade-in-arms and friend of George Washington, Chastellux (1734-1788) strove to measure progress and demonstrate, with the help of his indices, the possibility of an improvement in the human condition. In his main work [De la félicité publique], he compares the situation of men at different periods in history, in order to determine whether or not there has been progress. His conclusions on progress and population already foreshadow Condorcet. [...] This analysis also shows the necessity of seeking the solution to mankind's ills, not in artificial plans, but in the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge and in the evolution of social progress (Spengler, pp. 236-240). Copy in contemporary binding, slightly later. The table leaf of Volume II, which should be in Volume I, has been moved by the binder to a position after the title of Volume II. Some light foxing.