Siris: A Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and Inquiries Concerning the Virtues of Tar Water,

London: For W. Innys, and C. Hitch, and C. Davis,, 1744. Second London edition, first published in Dublin and London earlier the same year. The work was, in his lifetime, by far Berkeley's most popular book. Berkeley was interested in the therapeutic properties of an infusion of tar in water, and the first part of the book is indeed on the subject, but he then "passes by imperceptible stages from physical to metaphysical arguments, until he is fairly launched upon a general discussion of Aristotelian and Platonic philosophy. The book is written with compelling lucidity and charm, and is one of Berkeley's major works, though his last substantial treatise. Siris was by far his most popular work by reason of its containing a supposed remedy for most human ills, the efficacy and cheapness of which was so convincingly urged by the author, confidence in it being strengthened by the fact that he had experimented first upon himself... Berkeley confessed that this work caused him more thought and research than any other he had ever been engaged in" (Keynes, p. 116 & vi). The popularity of the work led to a series of Dublin and London editions in quick succession. This edition includes the corrections made by the author to the second Dublin edition. Octavo (196 x 116 mm). Twentieth-century quarter calf, spine lettered in gilt, marbled sides. Light toning to contents with a couple of ink splashes; a very good copy. ESTC T9521; Keynes, Bibliography of George Berkeley, 67.