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Les Mysteres de la Science, Louis Figuier, c.1887 [202540]

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Les Mysteres de la Science, Louis Figuier, c.1887 [202540]
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Louis Figuier was known for making science accessible to the general public through richly illustrated works. In Les Mysteres de la Science, he demystified phenomena once explained by demons, magic, or prophecy, and placed them within the framework of rational science. Essentially, the book documents the "mysteries" of past centuries as part of humanity's evolving understanding of the natural world. The topics explore how superstition, religion, and science intertwined in history: Diviners and thaumaturges in antiquity; Demonic epidemics of the Middle Ages and Renaissance; Diabolical possessions in the 17th century; The Devils of Loudun (famous mass possession case in France, 1630s); Jansenist convulsionaries (18th century mystical movement); Protestant prophets; and the divining rod (la baguette divinatoire). 647pp. Heavy foxing. Illustrated cover present, but detached. Likely rebound. No date, but this appears to be the 1887 edition.
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Date: c.1887
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Provenance: Noel Kirshenbaum Geochemical Engineer Collection