Essay concerning human understanding (1689)

John Locke is known today primarily as the author of An essay concerning human understanding. This would no doubt have pleased him. It was the work in which he invested the most effort and on which he staked his reputation. While he jealously guarded the secret of his authorship of other works, he acknowledged the Essay from the outset. His signature was appended to the dedication in the first edition; from the second edition (1694), his name appeared on the title page, opposite his engraved portrait.

Locke had begun work on the Essay in 1671. In the “Epistle to the Reader,” he related that “five or six Friends meeting at my Chamber, and discoursing on a Subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand, by the Difficulties that rose on every side. After we had a while puzzled out selves, without coming any nearer a Resolution of those Doubts which perplexed us, it came into my Thoughts, that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set our selves upon Enquiries of that Nature, it was necessary to examine our own Abilities, and see, what Objects our Understandings were, or were not fitted to deal with. This I proposed to the Company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed, that this should be out first Enquiry. Some hasty and undigested Thoughts, on a Subject I had never before considered, which I set down against our next Meeting, gave the first entrance into this Discourse, which having been thus begun by Chance, was continued by Intreaty; written by incoherent parcels; and, after long intervals of neglect, resum’d again, as my Humour or Occasions permitted; and at last, in a retirement, where an Attendance on my Health gave me leisure, it was brought into that order, thou now seest it.”

Some of the /incoherent parcels” still survive, allowing us to trace the development of the work. (These drafts are discussed below.) After completing two initial drafts dated 1671, Locke took up the manuscript again in 1683/84 in Holland and a complete draft was finished in 1686. Final revisions and the preparation of the abstract published by Le Clerc (Locke #38-40) were completed before Locke returned to England in February 1689. Shortly thereafter, he signed an agreement with Thomas Bassett to publish the book, which duly appeared in December 1689 (although the publisher gave the date “1690” on the title page).

The Essay consists of four books. In Book I, Locke establishes that our ideas are not innate. In Book II, he goes on to show that ideas are the result of experience, of sensation and the mind’s reflection upon its experiences. In Book III, he describes how ideas and propositions are expressed in words and language. Finally, in Book IV, he discusses knowledge, the degrees of knowledge and opinion, and the limits of human understanding. His conclusion is that, while there can be no certain knowledge of matters of fact involving substance, the nature of moral ideas makes it possible to have certain knowledge of the laws of morality.

Locke continued to work on the Essay after 1690. Four editions were published during his lifetime, and he left material for a revised fifth edition (published in 1706). To these editions, he added important discussions on liberty and determinism, identity, perception, enthusiasm and the association of ideas. In the late 1690’s he began a new final chapter on the “conduct of the understanding.” This was never incorporated into the Essay, but was published separately by his literary executors in 1706. The logical next step, having argued that certain knowledge of the laws of morality is attainable, would have been a treatise on ethics. Although urged by friends to write such a treatise, Locke never produced more than a few tentative notes.

Complete texts of the Essay

Rev.

 228

An essay concerning humane understanding. In four books … London: printed by Eliz. Holt, for Thomas Basset … MDCXC [1690]. [12], 362, [22] p. 2o.

Variant issue: London: for Tho. Basset, and sold by Edw. Mory … MDCXC [1690].

Dedication to Thomas Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, is signed “John Locke.”

The first edition was ready for distribution in late November 1689; Locke received his bound copies on December 3, 1689 (MS. Locke f. 29, p. 36). Locke’s contract with Thomas Basset is preserved in MS. Locke b. 1, f. 109.

The printing history of the first edition was the subject of queries and responses in Bibl.N.&Q. 1935-39; see also the note by W. Nethery, Am.Bk.Coll. 12:no.9 (May 1962):12-17. The textual history of the early editions is described by C.S. Johnston, “The printing history of the first four editions of the Essay concerning human understanding” / by Charlotte S. Johnston. // IN: John Locke / by Richard I. Aaron. – 3rd ed. – Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1971. – p. 313-320, and by P.H. Nidditch in his introduction to Locke #266.

Locke’s list of presentation copies is in MS. Locke c. 25, f. 50, captioned “Copys 90.”

Reviews: Le Clerc, Bibliotheque universelle (1690); Anon., Acta eruditorum (1691)

Y 61; J 32, 32a; C 26; Wing L2738-2739; H&L 1781

Facsimile: An essay concerning humane understanding / John Locke. – Bristol : Thoemmes, 2003. – Vol. 1.

Rev.

 229

An essay concerning humane understanding. In four books. Writtten [sic] by John Locke, Gent. The second edition, with large additions. … London, printed for Thomas Dring …; and Samuel Manship …, M DC XCIV [1694] [40], 407, [13] p. port. 2o.

There are two states of the title page of this issue, the difference being in the address of Samuel Manship: one version has “at the Black Bull” and the other has “At the Ship”; another issue, with a cancel title leaf: London, printed for Awnsham and John Churchil …, and Samuel Manship, M DC XCIV [1694].

New material includes II.ix.8 (the Molyneux problem), II.xxviii (“Of identity and diversity”), a revised II.xxi (“Of power”) and an analytical index; the “Epistle to the Reader” contains an answer to Lowde 1694 (item #436). The new material was also issued on slips for insertion in copies of the 1st edition.

The corrections and additions were printed separately and distributed by Locke for his friends to insert into their copies of the 1st ed.; such updated copies owned by Tyrrell and Molyneux have survived. Distribution lists for this edition exist in MS. Locke f. 29, p. 83 (headed “Copia A” [the insertions] and ”T” [complete copies]) and MS. Locke c. 25, f. 51, headed “Copys 94.”

The portrait of Locke is subscribed “Mr John Locke” and “Sylvester Brounower ad vivum delin: P Vanderbanck sculp.”

Y 62; J 33, 33a, 33b; C 26-27; Wing L2740 (2nd issue) and L2740A (1st issue); H&L 1782

 230

An essay concerning humane understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The third edition. … London: printed for Awnsham and John Churchil …, and Samuel Manship …, 1695. [40], 407, [13] p. port. 2o.

Page by page reprint of 1694 edition.

A list of presentation copies for this edition exist in MS. Locke c. 25, f. 53v.

Y 63; J 34; C 27; Wing L2741; H&L 1783

 231

An essay concerning humane understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The fourth edition, with large additions. … London: printed for Awnsham and John Churchil …; and Samuel Manship …, MDCC [1700]. [40], 226, 233-438, [12] p. port. 2o.

Published in December 1699; error in paging: p. 227-232 omitted.

New material: II.xxiii (“Of the association of ideas”) and IV.xix (“Of enthusiasm”), as well as additions to III.vi.26 and IV.xii.6. The new material was also issued on slips for insertion in copies of earlier editions; the British Library copy of the 3rd ed. has been updated with these slips.

Drafts for the new material survive in MS. Locke e. 1.

Locke’s contract with Manship and the Churchills is preserved in MS. Locke b. 1, f. 218; lists of presentation copies exist in MS. Locke f. 29, p. 158 and MS. Locke c. 25, f. 54 (headed “Humane Understanding 1700”).

Y 64; J 35; C 27; Wing L2742; H&L 1783a

 232

An essay concerning humane understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The fifth edition, with large additions. … London: printed for Awnsham and John Churchill …; and Samuel Manship …, M DCC VI [1706]. [34], 284, 345-422, 425-464, 467-604, [10] p. [with a number of paging errors] 2o.

New material: extensive quotations from Locke’s controversy with Stillingfleet included as footnotes; these notes were included in all future editions of the Essay, except those included in, or reprinted from, editions Locke’s Works.

Review: Le Clerc, “Remarques sur l’Essai … (1707); includes a defense of Locke against criticisms of Pierre Bayle.

Y 65; J 36; C 92

Facsimile: An essay concerning humane understanding / John Locke. – Bristol : Thoemmes, 2003. – Vol. 2.

Rev.

 233

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The sixth edition, with large additions. … London: printed and sold by H. Hills, and the booksellers of London and Westminster. 1710. 2 vols. ([32], 371, [1]; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

The title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning humane understanding. By John Locke, Gent. … London: printed in the year MDCCX [1710].

Second issue: An essay concerning humane understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The sixth edition, with large additions. … London: printed for A. and J. Churchill …; and Samuel Manship … 1710. 2 vols. 8o.

The Hills issue is a piracy; the Churchill issue has a cancel title leaf; presumably they seized (or bought out) Hills’ stock and issued it with their own title page.

The portrait of Locke is inscribed “Mr. John Locke. S. Brounower ad vivum delin. T. Nutting sculpsit.”

Y 66; J 37, 37a; C 92

  —

The Essay was included in vol. 1 of Locke’s Works (1714) [Locke #848] and in all subsequent editions.

 234

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The seventh edition, with large additions. … London: printed for J. Churchill …; and Samuel Manship … 1716. 2 vols. ([32], 371, [1]; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Title page in vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning humane understanding. By John Locke, Gent. … London: printed for A. and J. Churchill …, and S. Manship …, 1715.

Y 67; J 38; C 92

 235

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The eighth edition, with large additions. … London: printed for A. Churchill, and A. Manship; and sold by W. Taylor … 1721. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Title leaf of vol. 1 is a cancel; title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. … London: printed for A. Churchill …, and A. Manship …, 1721.

The portrait of Locke is subscribed “Johannes Locke. G. Kneller pin. Vertue sculp.”

Y 68; J 39; C 92

 236

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Witten by John Locke, Gent. The ninth edition, with large additions. … London, printed by T.W. for A. Churchill; and Edm. Parker … M.DCC.XXVI [1726]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

A second state corrects the typo (“Witten”); title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. London, printed by M.J. for A Churchill; and Edm. Parker … M.DCC.XXVI [1726].

Y 69; J 40; C 92

Rev.

 237

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The tenth edition, with large additions. … London: printed for Arthur Bettesworth and Charles Hitch …; Edmund Parker … John Pemberton …; and Edward Symon … M.DCC.XXXI [1731]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. London: printed for Arthur Bettesworth and Charles Hitch …; Edmund Parker …; John Pemberton …; and Edward Symon … M.DCC.XXXI [1731].

Variant issue, with cancel title leaves, two issues: (1) London: printed for Edmund Parker; (2) London: printed for Edward Symon.

Y 70; J 41, 41a, 41b; C 92

 238

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The eleventh edition. … London: printed for A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch …; E. Parker …; J. and J. Pemberton …; and E. Symon … MDCCXXXV [1735]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. … London: printed for A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch …; E. Parker …; J. & J. Pemberton …; and Edward Symon … MDCCXXXV [1735].

Variant issue, with cancel title leaves: London: printed for Edmund Parker …. M.DCC.XXXV [1735].

Y 71; J 42,42a; C 92

 239

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The twelfth edition. … London: printed for C. Hitch …; J. Pemberton …; J. Beecroft …; and S. Symon …. M DCC XLI [1741]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. The twelfth edition. … London: printed for C. Hitch …; J. Pemberton …; J. Beecroft …; and S. Symon …. M DCC XLI [1741].

Variant issue, with cancel title leaves: London: printed for John Beecroft … M DCC XLI [1741].

Y 72; J 43,43a; C 92

 240

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The thirteenth edition. … London: printed for S. Birt, D. Browne, C. Hitch, J. Hodges, J. Oswald [and 6 others in London]. M DCC XLVIII [1748]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. The thirteenth edition. … London: printed for S. Birt, D. Browne, C. Hitch, J. Hodges, J. Oswald [and 6 others in London]. M DCC XLVIII [1748]

Y 73; J 44; C 92

 241

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The fourteenth edition. … London: printed for S. Birt, D. Browne, T. and T. Longman, J. Shuckburgh, C. Hitch and L. Hawes, J. Hodges, J. Oswald, A. Millar [and 4 others]. 1753. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. The fourteenth edition. … London: printed for S. Birt, D. Browne, T. and T. Longman, J. Shuckburgh, C. Hitch and L. Hawes, J. Hodges, J. Oswald, A. Millar [and 4 others]. M DCC LIII [1753].

Y 74; J 45; C 92

 242

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The fifteenth edition. … Berwick: printed by Robert Taylor. M.DCC.LIII [1753]. 2 vols. ([2], iv, [24], 419, [1]; [18], 384, [24] p.) 8o.

Title page of vol. 2 reads: An essay concerning human understanding. By John Locke, Gent. The fifteenth edition. … Printed in the year M.DCC.LIII [1753].

Variant issue, with cancel title leaves: Printed in the year M.DCC.LIII [1753].

Printed at Berwick for sale in Scotland; the variant issue is perhaps a falsified imprint intended for illegal sale in England–Yolton.

Y 75

 243

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Esq. In three volumes. … A new edition corrected. … Glasgow: printed by Robert Urie. MDCCLIX [1759]. 3 vols. (395, [1]; 410, [2]; 376 p.). 12o.

Y 76; J 46

 244

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The fifteenth edition. … London: printed for D. Browne, C. Hitch and L. Hawes, J. Shuckburgh, A. Millar, J. Beecroft [and 16 others in London]. M.DCC.LX [1760]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.). port. 8o.

Y 77; J 47; C 92

Rev.

 245

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Esq. In three volumes. … A new edition corrected. … Edinburgh: printed by A. Donaldson and J. Reid, for William Coke. MDCCLXV [1765]. 3 vols. (xxxii, 306, [2]; xviii, 329, [1]; xvi, 290 p.) 12o.

Variant states with imprints: (1) Edinburgh: printed by A. Donaldson and J. Reid. For A. Donaldson, and sold at his shops in London and Edinburgh; (2) Edinburgh: printed by A. Donaldson and J. Reid. For William Coke and Francis Shand.

Y 78; J 48

 246

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The sixteenth edition. … London: printed for H. Woodfall, A. Millar, J. Beecroft, J. and F. Rivington, J. Whiston [and 18 others in London]. M.DCC.LXVIII [1768]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Y 79; J 49; C 92

 247

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The seventeenth edition. … Dubiln: printed by and for Henry Saunders … M,DCC,LXXII [1772]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Y 80

 248

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The seventeenth edition. … London: printed for J. Beecroft …; W. Strahan, J. and F. Rivington, J. Whiston, S. Baker [and 20 others in London]. M DCC LXXV [1775]. 2 vols. 8o.

Review: Anon., “Psychology” (1843)

Y 81; J 50; C 92

 249

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Esq. In three volumes. … A new edition corrected. … Edinburgh: printed by J. Dickson and C. Elliot. M,DCC,LXXVII [1777]. 3 vols. (395, [1]; 410, [4]; 376, [2] p.) 12o.

Y 83; J 51

 250

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The eighteenth edition. … Dublin: printed by and for H. Saunders, W. Sleater, D. Chamberlaine, and J. Potts. M,DCC,LXXVII [1777]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) 8o.

Y 82; J 51a

 251

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The seventeenth edition. … London: printed for H. Woodfall, A. Millar, J. Beecroft, J. and F. Rivington, J. Whiston, S Baker, T. Payne [and 15 others in London]. M.DCC.LXXXVI [1786]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) port. 8o.

Y 84

 252

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The nineteenth edition. … Dublin: printed by and for W. Sleater, H. Chamberlaine, and J. Potts. M,DCC,LXXXVI [1786]. 2 vols. ([32], 372; [16], 340, [28] p.) 8o.

Y 85

 253

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The eighteenth edition. … London: printed for J.F. and C. Rivington, T. and T. Payne, L. Davis, B. and B. White, S. Crowder [and 20 others in London]. MDCCLXXXVIII [1788]. 2 vols. ([32], 452; [16], 410, [26] p.) 8o.

Y 86

 254

An essay concerning human understanding. In four books. Written by John Locke, Gent. The sixteenth edition. … London: printed for H. Woodfall, A. Millar, J. Beecroft, J. and F. Rivington, J. Whiston, S. Baker, T. Payne [and 15 others]. 1791. 2 vols. 8o.

1768 edition (Locke #246), with new date stamped on title pages.

 255

An essay concerning human understanding. Written by John Locke, Gent. The nineteenth edition. To which are now first added, I. An analysis of Mr. Locke’s doctrine of ideas, on a large sheet. II. A defence of Mr. Locke’s opinion concerning personal identity, with an appendix. III. A treatise on the conduct of the understanding. IV. Some thoughts concerning reading and study for a Gentleman. V. Elements of natural philosophy. VI. A new method of a common-place-book. Extracted from the author’s works. … London: printed for T. Longman, B. Law and Son, J. Johnson, C. Dilly, G.G.J. and J. Robinson [and 16 others in London]. 1793. 2 vols. ([32], plate, 510, [2]; [14], 459, [29] p.) 8o.

Reissue of sheets from Works (1794) [Locke #856], vol. 1-2; the text of the Essay does not include the excerpts from the exchange with Stillingfleet, included elsewhere in the Works.

This version reprinted as:

(1) The twentieth edition. … London: printed for T. Longman, B. Law and Son, J. Johnson, C. Dilly, G.G.J. and J. Robinson [and 17 others in London]. 1796. 2 vols. 8o.

(2) 21st ed. … – London : printed for J. Johnson [and others], 1805. – 2 vols.

(3) 22nd ed. … – London : printed for W. Otridge [and others], 1812. – 2 vols.

(4) New ed. – Edinburgh : printed for Doig & Stirling, 1815. – 3 vols.

(5) 24th ed. … – Dublin : printed by Brett Smith, 1816. – 2 vols.

(6) 23rd ed. … – London : printed for F.C. and J. Rivington [and others], 1817. – 2 vols.

(7) 24th ed. – London : printed by J. Hill for W. Baynes, 1817. – 2 vols.

(8) 24th ed. – London : printed by J. Hill for W. Baynes, 1819. – 2 vols. [unverified]

(9) New ed. – Edinburgh : printed for James Robinson [and others], 1819. – 2 vols.

(10) New ed. – [London] : printed for T. Tegg [and others], 1823. – 3 vols.

(11) 24th ed. … – London : printed for J. Rivington [and others], 1824. – 2 vols.

(12) New ed. – London : printed for Thomas Tegg [and others], 1828. – 3 vols. [unverified]

(13) New ed. – London : printed for Thomas Tegg [and others], 1832. – 3 vols. [unverified]

Y 87, 89; J 52, 54, 56-61, 62a, 65, 67; C 92-94

Rev.

 256

An essay concerning human understanding; with Thoughts on the conduct of the understanding. By John Locke, Esq. Collated with Desmaizeaux’s edition. To which is prefixed, the life of the author. In three volumes. … London: printed for C. Bathurst, C. Nourse, T. Carnan, F. Newbery, R. Cater [and 11 others in London]. 1795. 3 vols. (liii, [1], 271, [3]; xvi, 264; xiv, 308 p.) 12o.

Title page of vol. 1 is a cancel; a variant state, with cancel title page, has imprint: London: printed for Allen & West …, J. Mundell and Co. Edinburgh, Mozley & Co. Gainsborough, and J. & A. Duncan, Glasgow. 1795.

This version also published:

(1) Edinburgh: printed for Mundel & Son; and J. Mundell, College, Glasgow. 1798.

(2) Edinburgh : printed for Mundell & Son, 1801.

Y 88, 90; J 53, 55; C 93

 257

An essay concerning human understanding / by John Locke, Gent. ; to which are now added, I. An analysis of Mr. Locke’s doctrine of ideas, on a large sheet, II. A defence of Mr. Locke’s opinion concerning personal identity, with an appendix, III. A treatise on the conduct of the understanding, IV. Some thoughts concerning reading and study for a Gentleman, V. Elements of natural philosophy, VI. A new method of a common-place-book, extracted from the author’s works ; to which is prefixed the life of the author. – 1st American from the 20th London ed. – Boston : printed by D. Carlisle for Thomas & Andrews [and others], 1803. – 3 vols.

This version reprinted as:

(1) 2nd American ed. – Brattleboro, Vt. : printed by W. Fessenden for Thomas & Andrews, and J. West, Boston, 1806. – 3 vols. – Vol.2 has imprint: Boston : printed by J.T. Buckingham, for Thomas & Andrews, 1806.

(2) Boston : Cummings & Hilliard, and J.T. Buckingham, 1813. – 2 vols.

(3) New York : printed by J. & J. Harper, 1818. – 2 vols. (338, 320 p.) – Three issues, published by Collins & Hannay, E. Duyckinck, and Richard Scott.

(4) New ed. – New York : V. Seaman, 1824. – 2 vols. in 1.

(5) New ed., corrected from a late improved London copy. – New York : printed by Samuel Marks, 1825. – 2 vols.

C 93

 258

An essay concerning human understanding / written by John Locke, Gent. – 24th ed., with the author’s last additions and corrections ; complete, with notes, in one volume. – London : printed for Wiliam Baynes, 1823. – xvi, 648 p.

This version reprinted as:

(1) 25th ed. … – London : printed for John Bumpus [and others], 1824.

(2) 25th ed. … with notes and illustrations, and an analysis of Mr. Locke’s doctrine of ideas. – London : printed for T. Tegg [and others], 1825.

(3) 26th ed. … with notes and illustrations, and an analysis of Mr. Locke’s doctrine of ideas. – London : T. Tegg ; Glasgow : B. Griffin ; Dublin : J. Cumming, 1828.

(4) 27th ed. … – London : printed for T. Tegg [and others], 1829.

(5) 27th ed. … – London : printed for T. Tegg [and others], 1836.

(6) 28th ed. … – London : printed for T. Tegg [and others], 1838 [unverified]

(7) 29th ed. … – London : printed for T. Tegg [and others], 1841.

(8) 30th ed. … – London : printed for T. Tegg [and others], 1846.

(9) 30th ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1849.

(10) 31st ed. … – London : William Tegg [and others], 1853.

J 62-63, 66, 67a, 68-72; C 93-94

 259

An essay concerning human understanding : with the author’s last additions and corrections, and an analysis of the doctrine of ideas ; Thoughts concerning reading and study for a Gentleman ; Of the conduct of the understanding / by John Locke, Gent. ; with a portrait of the author and a general index. – London : printed and sold by J.F. Dove, 1828. – 590 p., fold. plate.

J 64; C 94

 260

An essay concerning human understanding ; and, A treatise on the conduct of the understanding / by John Locke, Gent. ; complete in one volume, with the author’s last additions and corrections. – Philadelphia : J. Kay, [184-]. – 524 p., fold. plate.

At head of title: “Locke’s Essays.”

This version reprinted:

(1) Philadelphia : J. Kay, 1844.

(2) Philadelphia : Kay & Troutman, 1846 [unverified]

(3) Philadelphia : Kay & Troutman, 1847.

(4) Philadelphia : Kay & Troutman, 1849.

(5) Philadelphia : Troutman & Hayes, 1850.

(6) Philadelphia : Troutman & Hayes, 1852.

(7) Philadelphia : Troutman & Hayes, 1853.

(8) Philadelphia : Hayes & Zell, 1854.

(9) Philadelphia : Hayes & Zell, 1856.

(10) Philadelphia : Hayes & Zell, 1857 [unverified]

(11) Philadelphia : Hayes & Zell, 1860.

(12) Philadelphia : Hayes & Zell, 1864 [unverified]

(13) Philadelphia : T.E. Zell, [187-?].

  —

The Essay was included in St. John’s edition of Philosophical works (1843) [Locke #864]

 261

An essay concerning human understanding / written by John Locke, Gent. ; with the notes and illustrations of the author, and an analysis of his doctrine of ideas ; also, Questions on Locke’s Essay, by A.M. – 32nd ed., carefully revised, and compared with the best copies, complete in one volume . – London : William Tegg, 1860. – xvi, 664 p., fold. plate.

For the “Questions …,” see entry in Chapter 3.

This version reprinted as:

(1) 34th ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1864.

(2) 35th ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1868 [unverified]

(3) 36th ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1869.

(4) 37th ed. … – London : William Tegg, [187-].

(5) 38th ed. … – London : William Tegg, [187-].

(6) 39th ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1875.

(7) 40th ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1877.

(8) New ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1879.

(9) New ed. … – London : William Tegg, 1880.

(10) New ed. … – London : Ward, Lock, [1881?]. – (World library of standard books)

(11) New ed. … – London : Ward, Lock, & Bowden, [188-]. – (World library of standard books)

(12) New ed. … – London : G. Routledge, 1894. – (Sir J. Lubbock’s Hundred books ; 72)

(13) New ed. … – London : G. Routledge ; New York : E.P. Dutton, [190-].

(14) New ed. … – London : Ward, Lock, [1905?]. – (World Library of standard books)

(15) New ed. … – London : G. Routledge ; New York : E.P. Dutton, [1909?].

(16) New ed. … – London : G. Routledge ; New York : E.P. Dutton, [1910?]. – xvi,624p. – Lacks the “Questions on Locke’s Essay.”

J 73-80,82-83; C94

 262

An essay concerning human understanding / written by John Locke, Gent. ; with the notes and illustrations of the author, and an analysis of his doctrine of ideas. – London ; New York : Ward, Lock, [188-]. – 2 vols. – (The works of John Locke)

Included in Ward, Lock’s Works (1899?) [Locke #866].

J 81

 263

An essay concerning human understanding / by John Locke ; collated and annotated, with prolegomena, biographical, critical, and historical, by Alexander Campbell Fraser. – Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1894. – 2 vols. (cxl, 535, 495 p.)

For Fraser’s introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

Reviews: Anon., “The new Locke” (1894); Anon., “Philosophy and theology” (1894); W. Courtney, Edin.Rev. 173:92-122; J. Creighton, Phil.Rev. 3:601-605; J. Gibson, Mind 3:536-543.

Reprinted: New York : Dover Publications, 1959.

For corrections, see Nidditch, “The faultiness of Fraser’s text of Locke’s Essay (1972); Hall, “Some errata in Fraser’s text of the Essay 4 (1973); Hall, “More faults in Fraser” (1975)

C 94; J 84

*264

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke. – Boston : Houghton, 1908. – (Modern classical philosophers)

Unverified; source: NUC.

  —

The Essay was reprinted [from the Fraser ed., Locke #263] in vol. 35 of the Great books of the Western world (1952) [Locke #867]

 265

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; edited with an introduction by John W. Yolton. – London : Dent ; New York : Dutton, 1961. – 2 vols. – (Everyman’s library ; 332, 984)

For Yolton’s introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

Reprinted (with corrections), 1965.

For additional corrections, see [Yolton?], “Corrigenda to the Yolton edition” (1970); P.H. Nidditch, “Corrigenda to Yolton’s edition of Locke’s Essay (1971); A.D. Woozley, “Further corrigenda to Yolton’s edition” (1971); and R. Hall, “Corrigenda to the Yolton edition” (1975)

H&W 264

An Essay concerning Human Understanding

 266

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; edited with an introduction, critical apparatus and glossary by Peter H. Nidditch. – Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1975. – liv, 867 p. – (The Clarendon edition of the works of John Locke)

For the Introduction, see Nidditch 1975.

The text was reprinted (with corrections and a new foreword by the editor) as a paperback: Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1979. – xxvi, 748 p.

ISBN 978-0-19-824386-1 (hbk.); 978-0-19-824595-7 (pbk.)

Nidditch gave a preview of this edition in 1971; he presented a list of textual corrections and a preview of the paperback edition ibid. 9 (1978):9-13.

Reviews: M. Ayers, Phil. 52 (1977):227-230; F. Bowers, Library 5th series:31 (1976):394-405; P. Carrive, Ét.Phil. 1976:101-102; J. Deschepper, Rev.Ph.Louv. 74:110-112; G. Ryle, “John Locke re-edited” (1975); J. Price, LNL 7 (1976):125-139; R. Woolhouse, Arch.Ges.Ph. 59:214-217.

LNL 6:6,10:7

New

*266+

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke. – Amherst, N.Y. : Prometheus Books, 1995. – xx, 624 p. – (Great books in philosophy)

Reprint of the 1910 ed. [Locke #261 (16)]

ISBN 0-8797-5917-8.

Unverified.

New

*266+

An essay concerning human understanding ; with the Second treatise of government / John Locke ; with an introduction by Mark G. Spencer. – Ware, Hertfordshire : Wordsworth Editions, 2014. – xxvii, 850 pages. – (Wordsworth classics of world literature)

ISBN 978-1-8402-2732-1.

Unverified.

LS 17:20

Abridgments of the Essay

Although the Essay was greeted with both praise and blame, the sincerest compliments which its author received were from those who felt the work would be of service in the study of philosophy in the universities. As early as 1692, William Molyneux informed Locke that his friend Dr. Ashe was having his students at Trinity College, Dublin, read an abridged version. In 1695, an Oxford fellow, John Wynne, wrote Locke his suggestion for publishing an abridgment. Locke agreed, approved Wynne’s efforts and the abridgment was published by the Churchills in March 1696. It was to have a wide influence. Besides appearing in over a dozen editions during the eighteenth century, it was translated into French (Locke #365) and Italian (Locke #393) – both frequently reprinted – and even into Greek (Locke #387).

Another influential abridgment, this one directed at students of the law, was published in 1709 by Lord Chief Baron Gilbert. Throughout the nineteenth century, abridged versions designed as university textbooks continued to appear. This tradition has continued into the present century, the most notable examples being the versions prepared by Pringle-Pattison in 1924 (Locke #308) and by Woozley in 1964 (Locke #314).

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (Wynne)

 267

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning humane understanding. London, printed for A. and J. Churchill …, and Edw. Castle …, 1696. [8], 310, [10] p. 8o.

Dedication signed: John Wynne, Oxon, Ap. 17, 1695.

Advertised in the London gazette, no. 3164 (5-9 March 1696).

Review: Anon., L’Europe savante (1718)

Y 115; C 28-29; Wing L2735; H&L 1791

 268

An abridgement of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning humane understanding. The second edition, corrected and enlarged. London, printed for A. and J. Churchil … 1700. [8], 308, [4] p. 8o.

Includes summaries of the new chapters from 4th edition of the Essay (Locke #231)

Y 116; C 29; Wing L2736

 269

An abridgement of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning humane understanding. The third edition, corrected. London: printed for A. Churchill, and sold by W. Taylor … 1721. [8], 371, [5] p. 12o.

The title page is a cancel; printed by William Bowyer.

Y 116; C 29; Wing L2736

New

269A

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning humane understanding. The fourth edition, corrected. Dublin: J. Hyde and E. Dobson, 1728. [6], 176 p. 12o.

Unverified.

Y 118

 270

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. The fourth edition, corrected. London: printed for J. and J. Knapton …; A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch …; J. Pemberton …; and T. Astley … M.DCC.XXXI [1731]. 379, [5] p. 12o.

Y 119; C 95

 271

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning humane understanding. The fifth edition, corrected. Dublin: printed by and for S. Hyde …, M,DCC,XXXIV [1734]. [6], 176, [2] p. 12o.

Y 120

 272

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. The fifth edition corrected. London: printed for A. Bettesworth and C. Hitch …; J. and J. Pemberton …; J. and P. Knapton …; and T. Astley … M DCC XXVII [1737]. 379, [5] p. 12o.

Y 121; C 95

 273

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. The sixth edition corrected. Glasgow: printed and sold by Robert Foulis M,DCC,XLIV [1744]. [4], 217, [3] p. 8o.

Y 122

New

273A

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning humane understanding. The sixth edition, corrected. Dublin: printed for J. Exshaw …, M,DCC,LI [1751]. 6, iv [= vi], 7-42, 49-190, [2] p. 12o.

Y 123

Rev.

 274

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. The seventh edition. Glasgow, printed and sold by Robert and Andrew Foulis M DCC LII [1752]. 270, [6] p. 8o.

Variant issue: 12o.

Y 124; C 95

 275

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. A new edition, with additions. Carefully revised and corrected. Edinburgh: printed by A. Donaldson, and sold at his shops in London and Edinburgh. M DCC LXVII [1767]. 271, [1] p. 12o.

Y 125; C 95

 276

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. [portrait] The seventh edition, corrected. Dublin: printed by John Exshaw …. M,DCC,LXIX [1769]. [10], vi, 318, [2] p. 12o.

The title page is a cancel.

Y 126

 277

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. A new edition, with additions. Carefully revised and corrected. Edinburgh: printed by A. Donaldson, and sold at his shops in London and Edinburgh. M.DCC.LXX [1770]. 271, [1] p. 12o.

Y 127; C 95

 278

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. [portrait] The eleventh edition, corrected. London: printed for S. Hooper. MDCCLXXIV [1774]. [8], v [= iv], 250, [2] p. 12o.

Y 128

 279

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. A new edition, with additions. Carefully revised and corrected. Edinburgh: printed by Alexander Donaldson; and sold at his shop … London; and at Edinburgh. M,DCC,LXXVIII [1778]. 271, [1] p. 12o.

Y 129

New

279A

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. A new edition, with additions. Carefully revised and corrected. London: printed for and sold by J. Nicholson, Cambridge. M,DCC,LXXIX [1779]. 330, [2] p. 12o.

Y 130

New

279B

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. A new edition, with additions. Carefully revised and corrected. London: printed for & sold by J. Nicholson, Cambridge. M.DCC.LXXXII [1782]. 330, [2] p. 12o.

Reissue of 1777 ed., with cancel title page.

Y 131

New

279C

John Locke’s Esq. Essay concerning human understanding, abridged. A new edition, with additions. Carefully revised and corrected. Dresden, printed for C. & F. Walther. M.DCC.XCI [1791]. 354 p. port. 8o.

Reissue of 1777 ed., with cancel title page.

Y 131.1

 280

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. Boston: printed by Manning & Loring, for J. White, Thomas & Andrews, D. West, E. Larkin, J. West and the proprietor of the Boston Bookstore. 1794. 250, [2] p. 12o.

Y 132; Evans 27227

 281

An abridgment of Mr. Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. – From the Edinburyh [sic] edition. – Boston : Cummings and Hilliard ; Hanover, N.H. : B. Perkins, 1822. – 271 p.

New

281A

An abridgement of Mr Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding / John Wynne ; with a new introduction by G.A.J. Rogers. – London : Routledge/Thoemmes, 1997. – 379 p. – (John Locke collection I)

ISBN 0-415-07773-7.

Unverified.

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (Gilbert)

 282

An abstract of the Essay of human understanding. London, printed in the year M.DCC.IX [1709]. 24 p. 8o.

Brief outline by Sir Geoffrey Gilbert, Lord Chief Baron of the Eschequer of Ireland.

Y 147; C 95

New

282A

“An abstract of the Essay of human understanding.” // IN: The present state of the republick of letters. For May 1728. London: Printed for William Innys … M DCC XXVIII [1728]. Pages 373-394.

Y 147.1

 283

An abstract of the Essay of human understanding. By Mr. Locke. Abridg’d by the late Lord Chief Baron Gilbert. London: printed, and Dublin re-printed, and sold by George Faulkner, and James Hoey … 1728. 47, [1] p. 8o.

Y 148; C 95

 284

An abstract of the Essay of human understanding. By the late Lord Chief Baron Gilbert. Dublin: printed by James Hoey …, 1735. 30, [2] p. 8o.

Y 149

 285

“An abstract of Mr. Locke’s Essay on human understanding,” drawn up by the late Lord Chief Baron Gilbert. // IN: Synopsis compendaria librorum Hugonis Grotii De jure belli ac pacis, Samuelis Clarkii De Dei existentiâ et attributis, et Joannis Lockii De intellectu humano. Cantabrigiæ: typis academicis excudit J. Bentham. Sumptibus Gul. Thurlbourn et Tho. Merrill, ibidem bibliopolarum. Prostant venales apud B. Dod, Londinii; J. Fletcher, Oxonii; J. Barry, Glasguæ; et A. Kincaid, Edinburgi. M.DCC.LI [1751]. Pages 165-192.

Collection compiled by William Dodd.

Y 150; C 99

 286

An abstract of Mr. Locke’s Essay on human understanding. By the Rt. Hon. Sir Jeffrey Gilbert … Dublin printed: London, reprinted for William Sandby …; and sold by John Hildyard, in York. MDCCLII [1752]. 55, [1] p. 8o.

Y 151; C 95

 287

“Abstract of the Essay on human understanding.” // IN: The law of evidence, by the Lord Chief Baron Gilbert. Considerably enlarged by Capel Lofft. To which is prefixed, some account of the author, his Abstract of Locke’s Essay, and his argument in a case of homicide in Ireland. London: printed by A. Strahan and W. Woodfall, …, for J. F. and C. Rivington, T. Longman, C. Dilly, W. Clarke & Son, & W. Otridge. 1791. Vol. 1:sig.e8-h4 (42 p. 8o.)

Y 152; C 95

  —

Gilbert’s “Abstract” was published with Conduct of the understanding in 1781 [Locke #730]. A German translation was included in Locke #378.

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (“Syllabus”)

 288

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding. … Cambridge; printed by Benjamin Flower: for W. H. Lunn, and J. Deighton; and sold by J. March, Norwich; J. Abel, Northampton; G. G. and J. Robinsons, and T. Conder, London. M DCC XC VI [1796]. [2], 38 p. 12o.

Y 154; C 95-96

 289

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding. – 3rd ed. – Cambridge : printed and sold by Benjamin Flower, 1802. – 45 p.

C 95-96

 290

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding. – 4th ed.– Cambridge : Deighton & Nicholson, 1807. – 44 p.

 291

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding. – 5th ed. – Cambridge : Deighton & Nicholson, 1809. – 43 p.

 292

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding. – Harlow : printed by B. Flower, for Deighton and Nicholson, Cambridge, and M. Jones, London, 1812. – 43 p.

 293

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding. – 7th ed. – London : printed by T. Thetford, for R. Baynes, and Deightons, and Nicholsons, Cambridge, 1820. – 43 p.

C 96

 294

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding : in the way of question and answer : for the use of students in the universities. – Cambridge : printed for R. Newby and G.E. Whittaker, London, 1824. – 262 p.

*295

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding : in the way of question and answer : for the use of students in the universities. – London : H. Washbourn ; Cambridge : T. Stevenson, 1828. – 69 p.

C 96

 296

A syllabus of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding. – 8th ed., corrected. – [London] : printed for H. Washbourne, London, and T. Stevenson, Cambridge, 1829. – 69 p.

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (“Analytical”)

 297

An analytical abridgment of Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding. – London : printed by J. M’Creery for W.H. Lunn [and others], 1808. – xxiv, 307 p.

C 96 [“1908”]

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (Capper)

*298

An abridgment of Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding : with some conjectures respecting the interference of nature with education / by Louisa Capper. – London : printed by J. Nichols, 1811. – 273 p.

Unverified; source: NUC

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (“Contraction”)

 299

A contraction of Locke’s Essay on human understanding : containing the Michaelmas examination of senior freshmen, reduced to question and answer, intended solely for the use of students in the University. – Dublin : printed by J. Parry, 1819. – 50, 45 p.

Covers III,vii to end; based on a MS. by Dr. Stack–Preface.

 300

The second part of a contraction of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding : containing the Trinity examination of senior freshmen, reduced to question and answer, with notes and deducible questions / by a Bachelor of Arts in Trinity College, Dublin, author of the first part ; intended solely for the use of students in the University. – Dublin : printed for the author, by R. Napper, and sold by John Parry, 1819. – 230 p.

Covers II,xii-III,vi.

 301

The first part of a new contraction of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding : containing the Easter examination of junior freshmen, in the form of question and answer / by a Master of Arts in the University. – Dublin : printed for J. Parry, 1820. – 50 p.

Covers I,i-II,xi.

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (“Epitome”)

 302

An epitome of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding, in question and answer : for the use of those who intend to enter on the study of metaphysics. – London : C. and J. Rivington, 1823. – viii, 87 p.

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (M’Carthy)

 303

A cathechetical compendium of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding : arranged for the purpose of obviating the difficulties and facilitating the study of that important work in the undergraduate course of Trinity College, Dublin : for the use of the students in the university, and private instruction / by Denis M’Carthy. – Dublin : printed by J. Carrick & Son, 1823. – xviii, 156 p.

C 96

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (Valpy)

 304

Locke’s Essay on the human understanding, condensed / under the superintendence of A.J. Valpy. – London : printed by A.J. Valpy, 1831. – xvi, 427 p.

Includes a biographical sketch of Locke and “The conduct of the understanding” (p. 373-427); also issued: London : Whittaker, Treacher, and Arnot, 1831.

C 96

Essay concerning human understanding.   Abridgment (Murray)

 305

Locke’s Essay on the human understanding, abridged for collegiate and general use / by J. Murray. – Dublin : Hodges and Smith, 1852. – xxvii, 481 p.

Reprinted: (1) “with a preliminary outline of the plan of the original work” / by J. Murray. – Dublin : Hodges and Smith, 1852; and (2) 3rd ed., with questions for examination by G.B. Wheeler. – Dublin : W.B. Kelly, 1857. – xxxi, 515 p.

C 96

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Cleary)

[306]

An analysis of Locke’s Essay on the human understanding : in the form of question and answer : with notes, appendix, and a collection of questions proposed at undergraduate examinations in the University of Dublin (1873)

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Calkins)

 307

Locke’s Essay concerning human understanding, books II. & IV. with omissions / selected by Mary Whiton Calkins. – Chicago : Open Court ; London : K. Paul, Trench, Trübner, 1905. – xiii, 342 p. – (Religion of science library ; no. 58)

For Calkins’s introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

Reprinted as:

(1) 2nd ed., revised and corrected. – Chicago : Open Court ; London : K. Paul, Trench, Trübner, 1906.

(2) 2nd ed., revised and corrected. – Chicago : Open Court, 1912. – lvii, 348 p. – Includes “The life and character of Mr. John Locke” / by Le Clerc (p. ix-liii).

(3) 3rd ed., revised and enlarged. – Chicago ; London : Open Court, 1917.

(4) Reprint ed., revised and enlarged. – Chicago ; London : Open Court, 1920. – Reprinted in 1927, 1933 and 1949.

C 95

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Pringle-Pattison)

 308

An essay concerning human understanding / by John Locke ; abridged and edited by A.S. Pringle-Pattison. – Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1924. – xlviii, 380 p.

For the introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

C 96

New

308A

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; abridged and with notes by A.S. Pringle-Pattison ; introduction by Diané Collinson. – Ware : Wordsworth Editions, 1998. – [xxv], 426 p. – (Wordsworth classics of world literature)

ISBN 1-8532-6783-X.

Unverified.

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Kennedy)

 309

“An essay concerning human understanding” / J.L. // IN: The great instauration etc. / edited by Gail Kennedy. – Garden City, N.Y. : Doubleday, Doran, ©1937. – (Doubleday-Doran series in philosophy) – p. 203-385.

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Frost)

 310

“An essay concerning human understanding” / by John Locke. // IN: Masterworks of philosophy : digests of 11 great classics / edited by S.E. Frost, Jr. – Garden City, N.Y. : Doubleday, 1946. – p. 363-475.

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Wilburn)

 311

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; abridged and edited by Raymond Wilburn. – London : J.M. Dent ; New York : E.P. Dutton, 1947. – xxv,355p. – (Everyman’s library ; 984)

For the introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Ayer & Winch)

 312

“An essay concerning human understanding.” // IN: British empirical philosophers : Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Reid, and J.S. Mill / edited by A.J. Ayer and Raymond Winch. – London : Routledge & K. Paul, 1952. – p. 31-160.

Y 1952.3

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Taylor)

 313

“An essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke ; abridged by Richard Taylor. // IN: The empiricists. – Garden City, N.Y. : Doubleday, ©1961. – p. 7-133.

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Woozley)

 314

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; abridged and edited with an introduction by A.D. Woozley. – London : W. Collins, ©1964. – 475 p.

For the introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

H&W 265

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Cranston)

 315

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; abridged, edited and introduced by Maurice Cranston. – New York : Collier Books ; London : Collier-Macmillan, 1965. – 416 p.

For the introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Yolton)

 316

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; abridged and edited with an introduction by John W. Yolton. – London : Dent ; New York : Dutton, ©1977. – xlvi, 398 p. – (Everyman’s library ; no. 1332)

For Yolton’s introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

LNL 8:8

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Winkler)

New

316+

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; abridged and edited, with an introduction and notes by Kenneth P. Winkler. – Indianapolis ; Cambridge : Hackett, ©1996. – xxxiii, 380 p.

ISBN 0-8722-0217-8.

For Winkler’s introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

Essay concerning human understanding. Abridgment (Phemister)

New

316A

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; abridged with an introduction and notes by Pauline Phemister. – New York : Oxford University Press, 2008. – lvi, 520 p. – (Oxford world’s classics)

ISBN 978-0-19-929662-0.

Unverified.

LS 9:12

Selections from the Essay

[317]

“Remarks upon Mr. Locke’s Essay on human understanding.” (1782)

Selections, primarily from Book II, with brief comments by John Wesley; some articles have title: “Extracts from Locke of human understanding, with short remarks.”

 318

Extracts from Locke’s Essay on the human understanding and other writers : containing a defence of natural, judicial, and constitutional rights, on the principles of morality, religion, & equal justice, against the private and public intrigues of artificial society : together with a short account of the publisher’s difficulties, intermixed with some political remarks : to which is added, an universal prayer for the conversion to genuine Christianity of the great family of mankind. – Frankfort, Ken. : printed and sold by J. Brunt, 1804. – 36 p.

 319

An essay on enthusiasm : being the nineteenth chapter of the fourth book of his Essay concerning human understanding / by John Locke. – London : printed by Stower & Smallfield, and sold by R. Hunter, 1815. – 16 p.

C 94

 320

Selections from Locke’s Essay on the human understanding / with introduction and notes by S.H. Emmens. – London : Virtue Brothers, 1866. – viii, 220 p.

For Emmens’s introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

C 94

 321

“Of our knowledge of the existence of a God.” // IN: Past thoughts on present doubts, or, Evidential extracts from great English writers. – London : Christian Evidence Committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, [1872]. – 30 p.

Essay IV,x.

C 94-95

 322

Of words or language in general : being Book III of the work entitled “Locke’s Essays” concerning human understanding : with notes, etc. – London : W. Tegg, 1877. – 112 p.

C 95

 323

Locke on words : An essay concerning human understanding, Book III, Of words / by John Locke, Gent. ; with introduction and notes by F. Ryland. – London : W.S. Sonnenschein, 1882. – xv, 324 p.

For Ryland’s introduction, see entry in Chapter 3.

C 95

 324

The philosophy of Locke in extracts from the Essay concerning human understanding / arranged with introductory notes by John E. Russell. – New York : H. Holt, 1891. – iv, 160 p. – (Series of modern philosophers ; [vol. 1])

For the introductory notes, see entry in Chapter 3.

Reprinted in 1906.

 325

“Essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke. // IN: British moralists : being selections from writers principally of the eighteenth century / edited with an introduction and analytical index by L.A. Selby-Bigge. – Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1897. – vol. 2:326-347.

Reprinted, with a new introduction by Bernard H. Baumrin. – Indianapolis : Bobbs-Merrill, ©1964.

 326

“John Locke (1632-1704).” // IN: Library of the world’s best literature, ancient and modern / Charles Dudley Warner, editor. – New York : R.S. Peale and J.A. Hill, 1897. – vol. 16:9105-9110.

Contains “Pleasure and pain” and “Injudicious haste in study” [from Of the conduct of the understanding]

 327

“An essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke. // IN: Modern classical philosophers : selections illustrating modern philosophy from Bruno to Spencer / compiled by Benjamin Rand. – Boston : Houghton Mifflin, ©1908. – p. 215-262.

 328

“An essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke. // IN: The classical psychologists : selections illustrating psychology from Anaxagoras to Wundt / compiled by Benjamin Rand. – Boston : Houghton Mifflin, ©1912. – p. 232-255.

 329

“Of the understanding” / John Locke. // IN: English prose / chosen and arranged by W. Peacock. – Oxford : University Press, 1921. – vol. 2:178-186.

Selections from the Essay and Of the conduct of the understanding.

 330

“An essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke. // IN: The English philosophers from Bacon to Mill / edited with an introduction by Edwin A. Burtt. – New York : Modern Library, ©1939. – p. 238-402.

 331

“An essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke. // IN: Toward liberal education / edited by Louis G. Locke, William M. Gibson, George Arms. – New York : Rinehart, ©1948. – (Readings for liberal education ; 1). – p. 697-699.

Essay II,i; collection also published as: Rev. ed. – New York : Rinehart, ©1952. – See “Of the conduct of the understanding” (p. 224-227) and “An essay concerning human understanding” (p. 753-755)

*332

An essay concerning human understanding, book III, chapters 1-3 and 9-11 / John Locke. – Chicago : H. Regnery for the Great Books Foundation, ©1949. – 88 p.

Unverified; source: NUC.

 333

“John Locke.” // IN: The age of Enlightenment : the eighteenth century philosophers / selected, with introduction and interpretative commentary, by Isaiah Berlin. – Boston : Houghton Mifflin Co., 1956. – (The great ages of Western philosophy ; vol. 4). – p. 30-112.

Mostly quotations, with commentary.

Y&Y 1956.1

 334

An essay concerning human understanding / John Locke ; preface by Russell Kirk. – Chicago : Gateway Editions, ©1956. – xv,357p.

Essay II, i-xii, xvii, xxi, xxiii, xxv-xxvii; III, i-iii, ix-xi; IV, i-vi, ix-xii, xiv-xix.

For the preface, see entry in Chapter 3.

 335

“An essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke. // IN: The tradition of freedom : selections from the writers who shaped the traditional concepts of freedom and justice in America / edited by Milton Mayer for the Fund for the Republic. – New York : Oceana Publications, ©1957. – p. 281-285.

Essay IV,iii,20 and IV,xvi,4.

 336

“The mind as white paper” / John Locke. // IN: Ideas in context / [compiled by] Joseph Satin. – Boston : Houghton Mifflin, ©1958. – p. 103-108.

 337

“How knowledge comes” / John Locke. // IN: Classics in philosophy and ethics : a course of selected reading by authorities. – New York : Philosophical Library, 1960. – p. 57-61.

 338

“Of the abuse of words” / John Locke. // IN: Writing from experience / edited by Richard A. Condon, Burton O. Kurth. – New York : Harper, ©1960. – p. 180-182.

Essay III,x.

 339

“Of words” / John Locke. // IN: Classics in semantics / edited by Donald E. Hayden and E. Paul Alworth. – New York : Philosophical Library, ©1965. – p. 39-57.

Contains “Of words and language in general,” “Of the signification of words,” “Of general terms” and “Of truth in general.”

 340

“Ideas and their causes” / John Locke. // IN: Perception and the external world : readings / selected, edited and furnished with an introductory essay by R.J. Hirst. – New York : Macmillan ; London : Collier-Macmillan, ©1965. – p. 183-192.

Essay II,viii,8 ff.; IV,xi.

 341

“Of words and language in general” ; and, “Of the signification of words” / John Locke. // IN: The English language : essays by English and American men of letters, 1490-1839 / selected and edited by W.F. Bolton. – Cambridge : University Press, 1966. – p. 83-90.

Essay III,i-ii.

[342]

Jonathan Edwards and the Enlightenment / edited with an introduction by John Opie. – Lexington, Mass. : D.C. Heath, ©1969. – (Problems in American civilization).

Includes texts from Locke and Edwards.

 343

“An essay concerning human understanding” / John Locke. // IN: British moralists, 1650-1800 / selected and edited with comparative notes and analytical index by D.D. Raphael. – Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1969. – vol. 1:137-166.

Essay I,iii,1-4, 6, 13; II,xx,1-3, 6; II,xxi,5-11, 13-17, 21-23, 25, 29-31, 35, 41-43, 47-48, 50-51; II,xxviii,4-10, 12; IV,iii,18; Essays on the law of nature [selections]

New

343A

“Of words” / John Locke. // IN: Theory of meaning / edited by Adrienne and Keith Lehrer. – Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice-Hall, 1970. – (Central issues in philosophy series). – p. 65-71.

Essay, III.ii-iii.

 344

“The causal theory” / John Locke. // IN: Perception, reason, & knowledge : an introduction to epistemology / edited by Douglas G. Arner. – Glenview, Ill. ; London : Scott, Foresman, ©1972. – p. 29-42.

Essay IV,xi,1-10; II,viii,7-19,22-25.

 345

“Primary and secondary qualities” ; “Sensation and judgment in perceptionИ ; “Knowledge of exterior causes of sensations” ; “Of words” / John Locke. // IN: Fundamental problems in philosophy / edited by Oswald Hanfling. – [Milton Keynes] : B. Blackwell in association with the Open University Press, ©1972. – p. 351-360, 397-400.

Essay II,viii-ix; IV, xi; II, xi; III, ii-iii.

[346]

“Of identity and diversity” / John Locke. // IN: Personal identity / edited by John Perry. – Berkeley ; London : University of California Press, 1975. – p. 33-52.

 347

“The idea of duration” / Locke. // IN: The human experience of time : the development of its philosophic meaning / [compiled by] Charles M. Sherover. – New York : New York University Press, 1975. – p. 122-133.

Essay II,xiv.

 348

“The Locke-Leibniz debate” / edited and arranged by Robert Merrihew Adams. // IN: Innate ideas / edited by Stephen P. Stich. – Berkeley ; London : University of California Press, 1975. – p. 37-67.

Essay I,i; I,ii; II,i and corresponding sections of Leibniz’s New essays (Locke #481n.)

New

[348+]

Elements of modern philosophy : Descartes through Kant / William H. Brenner. – Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice Hall, 1988, ©1989. – p. 54-74.

  —

Extracts from the Essay appeared in Locke on toleration / edited by Richard Vernon (2010) – p. 170-177.