An Essay on Capacity and Genius; to prove that there is no original Mental Superiority between the most illiterate and the most learned of Mankind, and that no Genius, whether Individual or National, is innate, but solely produced by and dependent on circumstances. Also, an enquiry into the Nature of Ghosts, and other appearances supposed to be Supernatural.
London: W. Simpkin & R. Marshall, ND [1820?]. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. xx, (21) - 537 + (3)pp (final leaf errata). Beautiful modern half leather craft binding by renowned London book-binder, Bernard C. Middleton. Light brown polished half-calf, raised bands with decorative gilt rules to spine and contrasting gilt-stamped leather title-label. Marbled paper boards, patterned edges. The anonymous author, is commonly identified as William Andrew Mitchell (1796-1845), the editor and proprietor of the Tyne Mercury (Newcastle-upon-Tyne), secretary to the Literary, Philosophical, and Mechanical Society, and well known for his espousal of libertarian philosophy. An ardent enthusiast for the work of John Locke - to whom the volume is dedicated - Mitchell argued in this work that there was no such thing as innate genius; and that the human mind was basically shaped by the social environment, education, etc. The second part of the book, which has its own section title, and runs to over 200 pages, is entitled an "Enquiry into the Nature of Ghosts." Like the main work it is anonymous, but is sometimes attributed to William Newnham. It contains examples and analysis of numerous hauntings and other supernatural events. We have not studied the section closely, but it appears that Mitchell generally feels there is a natural, rather than a supernatural, explanation for these phenomena. The section closes with an Appendix comprising "two or three authenticated relations of apparitions ..." From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the front free endpaper. Marbled edges. Discrete contemporary owner's initials at head of title-page, minor shadowing to parts of the edges of the first & last few pages, and a couple of light fingerprints on title-page and dedication page. Still a clean, solid, VG+ copy. Item #49528
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