L'Alambic des loix, ou Observations de l'ami des François sur l'homme et sur les loix.

Hispaan (Paris), 1773. (2), 17-477, (3) pp. 8vo. Contemporary marbled calf, gilt triple fillet on sides, spine gilt in compartments, green label with gilt lettering, all edges gilt, very lightly rubbed. Hartig 62; Negley 1541; Kress 6974; Higgs 5645; INED 3936; not in Goldsmiths; not in Einaudi; not in Mattioli; Conlon 73:1187; Camus 127, note. First edition, very rare.The author, "intendant" of Châlons-en-Champagne (today Champagne-Ardenne), philosopher and libertine, delivers his political program: separation of powers, representation of all classes in two chambers, division of the country into "départements", emphasis on agriculture and population growth, against luxury and credit, suppression of the monastic orders, against further colonization. Criticizes Montesquieu. Luxury is the root of all evil, commerce and trade are considered as dangerous, agriculture as the main source of all human wealth.'Le luxe est le père de tous les maux, le fléau destructeur des nations. Il provient essentiellement du commerce de mer, aussi dangereux que les colonies au point de vue démographique et économique. L'agriculture est la mère de la population et de la richesse, les arts et l'industrie en sont les ennemis. La population est la vraie richesse d'un État; on ne doit rien négliger pour son développement' (INED).In most copies the preliminaries have been removed or have never been present: they were taken from most copies as they contained a highly autobiographical note by the author. In the same year the author also published his Alambic Moral and in most copies of that work the preliminaires are also almost always missing. - Copy from the library of Edmond Vallée, with his stamp. Fine copy.