12mo. iii, [1], 259pp, [1]. Modern gilt-ruled half-calf, marbled paper boards, contrasting brown morocco lettering-pieces. A trifle rubbed, spine sunned. Scattered spotting.

The first revised edition of what would become better known as An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding when reprinted in 1758. First published in 1748, largely a re-statement of parts of the commercially and critically unsuccessful Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40), Hume made numerous emendations and revisions for this second edition; for example, the title of Section XI was altered from 'Of the practical consequences of natural religion' to 'Of a particular providence and a future state', and a new paragraph (beginning 'The Indian Prince...') is introduced to the notorious essay 'On Miracles' that asserts that miracles are a violation of the law of nature.