[BURNETT, James, Lord Monboddo (1714-1799)]. Of the Origin and Progress of Language. Edinburgh: J. Balfour & London: T. Cadell, 1774-1792. 6 volumes, 8° (207 x 126mm). With the final blank in volume I and the final errata leaf in volume V. (Browning to a greater or lesser extent throughout, severe in vol. III.) 19th-century half calf, gilt-lettered spines. Provenance: Society of Advocates of Aberdeen (ownership inscription on title, library stamp on title versos and bookplate).
Mixed editions of the first work that Burnett published. In this book he vindicated the honour of Greek literature, and among other curious and interesting opinions, he maintained that the ourang-utan was a class of the human species, and its want of speech merely accidental.
[BURNETT, James, Lord Monboddo (1714-1799)]. Of the Origin and Progress of Language. Edinburgh: J. Balfour & London: T. Cadell, 1774-1792. 6 volumes, 8° (207 x 126mm). With the final blank in volume I and the final errata leaf in volume V. (Browning to a greater or lesser extent throughout, severe in vol. III.) 19th-century half calf, gilt-lettered spines. Provenance: Society of Advocates of Aberdeen (ownership inscription on title, library stamp on title versos and bookplate).
Mixed editions of the first work that Burnett published. In this book he vindicated the honour of Greek literature, and among other curious and interesting opinions, he maintained that the ourang-utan was a class of the human species, and its want of speech merely accidental.
