Philosophical Observations on the Analogy between the Propagation of Animals and that of Vegetables: In which are answered Some Objections against the Indivisibility of the Soul, which have been inadvertently drawn from the late curious and useful Experiments upon the Polypus and other Animals. With An Explanation of the Manner in which each Piece of a d

London: Printed for C. Davis, Printer to the Royal Society,, 1752. First edition of Parsons's scientific analysis of natural reproduction. The work is complete with a detailed fold-out plate, engraved after an original drawing by Parsons, which depicts the propagation of a polypus fungus and a tree branch. James Parsons (1705-1770), physician, antiquary, and foreign secretary to the Royal Society, is perhaps best known for his relationship with William Hogarth. Shearer West argues that the two men's appreciation of one another's work informed their respective studies of human physiognomy. As in this work, illustration directly complemented Parsons' investigations: Giles Hudson observes that most of Parsons' papers featured "detailed plates drawn faithfully from life with his own hand" (ODNB). The present work illustrates a lesser-known aspect of Parsons's studies. In the Philosophical Observations, Parsons outlines a theory of natural propagation that implies the agency of a divine creator, in contrast to the atomist model of lifeless matter rearranged by random mechanistic processes. In the final chapter, Parsons expands his scientific investigations into a wider exploration of man's place within creation, and the implications thereof for human happiness. Octavo (199 x 123 mm). Contemporary sheep, rebacked in morocco with original spine laid down, raised bands forming 6 compartments ruled in gilt, red sprinkled edges. Folding engraved plate. 19th-century bookplate of James Rutherford of Ashintully Castle, Scotland, to front pastedown. Minor stripping and spotting to covers, light bumping and moderate wear to corners, moderate browning to endpapers, otherwise fresh: a very good copy. ESTC T148535. Shearer West, "Polemic and the Passions: Dr. James Parsons' human physiognomy explained and Hogarth's aspirations for British history painting", Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies, vol. 13, no. 1, March 1990.