Elements of logic. In four books

Edinburgh: W. & J. Deas, 1807. fifth edition. Contemporary calf, spine with gilt lettering and decoration; minor staining to endpapers, ownership signature on front fly-leaf. An excellent copy. Fifth edition. Designed for young gentlemen at university to pave the way for their study of philosophy and mathematics, Duncan discusses the rise, progress, and nature of human language; the grounds of human judgment; reasoning and demonstration; and the methods of invention and science, and how all of these affect and contribute to the increase of knowledge. First published in two volumes, 1748, in Robert Dodsley’s The Preceptor.

Duncan (1717-1760) was a professor of philosophy in the Marischal College of Aberdeen. Known for his combination of the Lockean theory of knowledge and a syllogistic logic, his work laid the foundation for further humanistic study. His other works include translations of Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Plutarch.