$250
Ferriar, John (1761-1815) An Essay Towards a Theory of Apparitions . London: for Cadell & Davies by Haddock & Warrington, 1813. Octavo, first edition, large copy, bound in three-quarter morocco and marbled paper boards, binding rubbed, contents good. In this work, Dr. Ferriar, Manchester physician, tackles the broad topic of witchcraft, paranormal activity, ghosts, and other inexplicable phenomena attributed to haunting. He digs into the Salem witch trials, and uses many other contemporary and older stories, applying a rigorous scientific skepticism. In the preface he says, "I have looked also, with much compassion, on the pitiful instruments of sliding panels, trap-doors, back-stairs, wax-work figures, smugglers, robbers, coiners, and other vulgar machinery, which authors of tender consciences have employed to avoid the imputation of belief in supernatural occurrences."
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2013-02-14
