DESCARTES

DISCOURSE

THE METHOD

FOLLOWED BY THE

Metaphysical Meditations

Publisher's logo for Ernest Flammarion: a stylized monogram featuring the letters "E" and "F" intertwined within a rounded square border.

PARIS

ERNEST FLAMMARION, PUBLISHER

26 RACINE STREET, 26

Descartes: René Descartes (1596–1650) was a French philosopher and mathematician often called the "Father of Modern Philosophy."

E. GREVIN — PRINTING HOUSE OF LAGNY

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DISCOURSE ON THE METHOD

FOLLOWED BY THE

Metaphysical Meditations

A facsimile reproduction of René Descartes' personal closing and signature in seventeenth-century cursive script.

Your most obedient and

most devoted servant

original: "affectionné." In 17th-century correspondence, this term carried a sense of formal devotion or loyalty rather than modern "passion."

Des Cartes

Descartes often signed his name as "Des Cartes" in two words, reflecting the noble origins of his family name (the "Cartes" family).

(Descartes’ autograph, provided by Mr. Charavay).

Etienne Charavay (1848–1899) was a prominent French historian, collector, and expert in autographs; his contribution signifies that this is a high-quality scholarly edition from the late 1800s.

Discourse on the Method (1637): Descartes' landmark work introducing his philosophical and scientific system, most famous for the principle "I think, therefore I am."

Metaphysical Meditations (1641): A foundational text of modern philosophy where Descartes seeks to establish certain knowledge and prove the existence of God and the immortality of the soul through pure reason.

Autograph: A manuscript or signature written in the person's own hand.

Colophon: A brief statement containing information about the publication of a book, such as the printer's name and location, typically found at the beginning or end of a volume.