RIBALLIER: De l'éducation physique et morale des femmes, ave - Lot 50

RIBALLIER: De l'éducation physique et morale des femmes, avec une notice alphabétique. Brussels and Paris, Frères Estienne, 1779. In-12 marbled vellum, slightly post-pasted, smooth spine decorated, red edges (one spine a little fragile). First edition. He posits that the task of education belongs to women. Let us apply ourselves," he says, "to developing the intelligence of girls from their earliest youth, and to inspiring in them a taste for study and a love of virtue. Let us strive to make them robust, strong and courageous, through the use of all the exercises that lead to these advantages. Let them be constantly reminded of their sublime destination, and let them see it as the true path to honor and glory. Finally, in the education of children, especially in the first age, let men know how to divest themselves of all empire, and claim to participate only by the advice and care that are within their reach; and, from the very first generation that follows, we shall see the effects of such a salutary revolution." For Riballier, education will take women out of their dependence, whereas for J.J. Rousseau, dependence is a natural state for women. A rare work.