An Essay of Transmigration, in defence of Pythagoras

Item Details

London, Basset, 1692, 19th-century vellum-backed marbled paper-covered boards

1st edition, acceptable

Whitelocke BULSTRODE (1650-1724). An Essay of Transmigration, in defence of Pythagoras: or, a discourse of natural philosophy. London: Printed by E.H. for Tho. Basset, at the George in Fleet-street, 1692. Small octavo. Pp. [i-lvi]; 1-192. Half-title, license leaf, bound without the portrait frontispiece of Pythagoras. 19th-century vellum-backed marbled paper-covered boards with vellum tips (light scuffing and small areas of damage). Provenance: author’s presentation inscription ‘Ex Dono Whitelock [sic.] Bulstrode … Authoris / 5 July 1709’

An apparent author’s presentation copy of the first edition of Bulstrode’s most famous work: this important late 17th-century essay offers an interesting examination of the interplay between spirit, matter, and natural philosophy, centering on a robust defense of Pythagoras and a nuanced distinction of his “transmigration of the soul” from other reincarnation beliefs. I have not been able to confirm that the presentation inscription is in the author's hand.

Opening with a critique of Asian reincarnation concepts, Bulstrode expands into discussions on the mysteries of matter, alchemical processes like metal generation, the cycles of life, and the extraction of a plant’s “spirit” in the form of oil, blending philosophical inquiry with practical agriculture. Rich references to thinkers such as Aristotle and Maimonides, accessible translations of Latin passages, and detailed footnotes make the work approachable to both scholars and general readers. In his lively preface, Bulstrode upholds scientific study as a sacred pursuit that honors God and enriches the mind, while wittily challenging the prejudice against shorter works as opposed to large bulky folios. Wing B5449A; ESTC R-16493