(GASSENDI). BERNIER (François). Abrégé de la philosophie de Gassendi. Lyon, Anisson, 1684; 7 vol. in-12, speckled calf, ribbed spine decorated with gilt fleurons, gilt inscription on the first covers (contemporary bindings). Second edition, reworked by Bernier and the only complete one, augmented by 3 opuscules including his Doutes sur l'Abrégé. It disseminates Gassendi's scientific work and materialistically-tinged philosophy in French for a wide, educated readership. 19 repl. plates and numerous fig. in the text. A great traveller, acquainted with the Indian princes as well as with everyone who counted in France in the world of the mind, La Mothe le Vayer, La Fontaine, Racine, Molière, Mme de la Sablière, Ninon de Lenclos..., Bernier had been Gassendi's pupil, in the company of three libertines of spirit - and morals: Cyrano, d'Assoucy, Chapelle.... He became his spiritual son. The Abrégé de la philosophie de Gassendi is his greatest work - apart from his Voyages. A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE BY THE MARQUIS D'ESTAMPES, PETIT-NEW AND LEGACY OF THE DAUGHTER OF Mme GEOFFRIN, with his name gilt on the first boards. He played a leading role at the court of Louis XV, in the circle of the Dauphin. Volume IV (Théorie des Planètes, Système de Copernic...) bears the bookplate of the astronomer Charles MEISSIER (1730 -1817; Acad. des Sciences), a great discoverer of comets - and his signature. Marginal foxing to a few leaves (t. I and V).