Wolff, Christian, Freiherr von, German philosopher (1679-1754). Autograph letter signed.

€ 4,500.00

Appealing letter by the principal figure of German enlightenment between Leibniz and Kant: an early item of his correspondence with the Frankfurt physician Johann Philipp Burggrave jr. (1700-75), the medical advisor of the Goethe family. "Viro experientissimo atque amplissimo Joanni Philippo Burggravio S.P.D. Christianus Wolfius. Accepi commentationem tuam eruditam de existentia spirituum animalium, quos contra Goelickii audaces insultus vindicas. Gratias ago cum quod me hujus muneris litterarii participem feceris, tum quod mentionem mei honorificam injicere dignitatus fueris. Pugnandum tibi erit, vir experientissime, cum homine qui veritatem insuper habens in eo sibi applaudit, quod aliqua dixisse videatur. Novi ipsius genium ab obtrectationibus minime alienum. Sed ex bello hoc incruento nulla metuenda clades. Mihi vero pugnandum est cum hominibus et famae, et fortunis, immo (si fieri possit) vitae ipsi insidias struentibus. Cel. Bülfffingerus nuperrime mihi nunciavit, quam bene ipsi sit Petropoli, et alii Professores, quos commendavi, idem confirmant [...]." - Burggrave, son of the like-named country physican of the Mainz electorate, studied in Leiden with Boerhave before returning to Frankfurt and becoming a member of the Leopoldinian Academy of Natural Science in 1741.

Paper somewhat browned and brownstained; edge slightly clipped from opening seal (slightly touching a few letters). Date of receipt noted by Burggrave on the address leaf.