Sistema Delle Cognizioni Umane Considerato Nella Sua Origine, Nel Suo Sviluppamento, Nell'ordine, Nella Modificazione Ed Applicazione, Sopra Le Scienze, Le Lettere E Le Arti; O Fondamenti Di Enciclopedia Razionale. Pieraccini, Luigi.

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). Four volumes bound in 1, octavo (227 x 143 mm). Contemporary blue roan, smooth spine elaborately tooled in blind and in gilt, blind and gilt borders to covers with intricate strapwork and floral designs, blind-stamped cross-hatching, gilt decoration to board edges, marbled edges, several gatherings uncut. Folding plate, numerous diagrams in text. Bound with half-titles. Bump to one corner, light scuffs to rear cover, foxing to edges and intermittently to margins of contents, otherwise clean. A very good, wide-margined copy, presenting attractively in the binding.