Origin of Laws, Arts, and Sciences

1775. GOGUET, Antoine-Yves. The Origin of Laws, Arts, and Sciences, and Their Progress among the Most Ancient Nations. Edinburgh: George Robinson and Alexander Donaldson, 1775. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full calf rebacked, raised bands, burgundy morocco spine labels. $1200.Early edition in English of this survey of the historical development of law, arts and sciences around the world, with eight folding engraved plates and three large folding chronological charts.""Antoine-Yves Goguet, a French jurisconsult, was born at Paris January 18, 1716, and became counsellor to the parliament of Paris. He applied himself closely to literature, and especially to historical studies. His name is chiefly preserved by his great work Origine des Lois, des Arts, et des Sciences, chez les Anciens Peuples (in which he was assisted by his friend Fugère). It treats the history of civilization among the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the early Greeks, in Volume I; and in Volume II, the period from the death of Jacob to the establishment of monarchy among the Hebrews… with the states of Greece, and the people of Crete. The third volume carries the subject down to the time of Cyrus, and upon the same plan as the other two. Goguet adds also dissertations on ancient coins; on the astronomical periods of the Chaldaeans; on the antiquities of the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Chinese"" (McClintock & Strong Biblical Cyclopedia). First published in Paris, 1758; first published in English in Edinburgh in 1761. Owner ink signature.Light foxing and toning to text. Corners rounded, light wear to boards. Very good, nicely rebacked.