The Primitive Origination of Mankind, considered and examined according to the light of nature

The Honourable Sir Matthew Hale, Knight: Late Chief Justice of His Majesties Court of Kings Bench

Published by London, 1677

About this Item

Rebound in 3/4 leathers and boards. Title in gilt lettering on spine. Frontispiece engraving by Frederick Hendrik Van Hove of Matthew Hale protected by tissue guard. Some wrinkling of pages but clean and not foxed. Hale's writings and influence as a jurist lasted for centuries, including his view that as marriage was a matter of contract between the husband and wife, there could be no such thing as marital rape, a concept in the laws of England and Wales that lasted until it was repealed in 1991. His shadow also loomed over the Salem witch trials, as he had in 1662 sentenced two English women to death for witchcraft, sorcery, and "unnatural love". His judgment is said to have influenced rulings in the Salem trials.

Seller Inventory # 001565

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Primitive Origination of Mankind, considered and examined according to the light of nature
• Publisher: London
• Publication Date: 1677
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • 1650-1850