PIERACCINI, Luigi.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Sistema delle cognizioni umane First edition, in a handsome contemporary and possibly French binding, of this philosophical work on the origin, foundations, nature, and development of human cognition. It is a complex encyclopaedia of the various forms of knowledge, ranging from ontology and aesthetics, to epistemology, science, and eloquence.A native of Monte Castello in Umbria, the rather obscure Italian Luigi Pieraccini (d. after 1863) studied in Foligno and spent part of his life in Tuscany. He is mostly known for the present work, A System of Human Knowledge, which is divided into four books. The first deals with deity as the primary element of existence and thought, man as an image of God, and the ages of man. The second contains an introduction to philosophy, art and science, with focus on why certain individuals are predisposed to them. The third is an in-depth analysis of specific disciplines (e.g. astronomy, medicine, poetry, economics, politics, history) and how they can be classified. The fourth is concerned with the evolution of knowledge through the ages and the relationship between man and nature. The work is illustrated with several in-text diagrams showing Pieraccini's complex philosophical system. In September 1839, the book was included in the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, the Papal list of prohibited books.Pieraccini was also the author of a philosophical poem titled Panteide (1838) and of a treatise on the civic and political constitution of Italy (1863).

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.