[BALZAC (Honoré de). Physiologie du mariage, ou méditations de philosophie éclectique sur le bonheur et le malheur conjugal, publiées par un jeune célibataire. Paris, Levavasseur & Urbain Canel, 1830. 2 volumes in-8, orange morocco, triple gilt fillet, spine decorated with small irons, interior lace, gilt edges on witnesses, cover (Lortic). Rare first edition. This physiology by Balzac, published without an author's name, is famous for its warning to the reader ending with the words "Les dames n'entrent pas ici" and for the typographical trickery, in the spirit of Tristram Shandy, which occupies pp. 207-210 of the second volume; its explanation can be found on p. 347. A magnificent copy, finely bound by Lortic, with very wide margins and complete with covers. Some minor spotting. Carteret, I, 58 - Vicaire, I, 181.