La vérité des miracles opérés par l'intercession de M. de Paris [...].

4to: [4]-xxviii-[4]-32-63-79-52-74-56-44-52-32-4-28-xxx-lvi-xxvii-xviii-xxviii-xx pp. (2 pl. missing).

Contemp. calf, gilt orn. spine, gilt sides, red edges (corners sl. rubbed, covers stained, some sm. def. at spine).

First edition of this fascinating work on the miraculous healing of those experiencing convulsions by the most ardent defender of these individuals, Montgeron (1686-1754). For four years he was accompanied by the painter Jean Restout which drew portraits of the miraculous medical (or "non-medical") cures. Ill. with an engr. front., an engr. vign., an engr. headpiece and 17 engr. (incl. a double-page). The process of supposed miraculous healing of of those experiencing convulsions is presented as a diptych. On the one side of the double-page the affections of the patient. On the other side his healings. Convinced of the predictions of a sick-soon-recovered convulsant, Montgeron decided in 1737 to hand over to the King this testimony. Unfortunately, this caused an outcry after which he was arrested and imprisoned. The entirety of the first edition of his work was burned in the Bastille. On the eve of the Enlightenment rapid growth in medicine pushed away age-old beliefs. But Montgeron had anticipated this reaction and ordered the printing of a second impression on the date of the original printed in Holland.
Ref. Caillet 2039. - STCN. - BnF.