Theologian Horace Bushnell was not so enlightened when it came to women. His views are telegraphed by the title of his book: Women's Suffrage: the Reform Against Nature. Granting women the vote, he notes, is like "an attempt to make trumpets out of flutes." Bushnell has thoughtfully dedicated the book to his wife. Item 22. $90.

Thomas Upham was a philosopher, psychologist, professor and pacifist. His textbook on mental philosophy reportedly went through 57 editions. Item 118 is dedicated to his peaceful pursuits, The Manual of Peace, published in 1836. He was one of the first to advocate a Congress of Nations to resolve international disputes. $600.

Adam Couse was an amateur philosopher, putting it politely. Couse is better credited for his role as a dancing instructor and music store owner, not to mention author of the "Detroit Schottische," a very popular tune in its day. It's still around as an old-time fiddle tune more often called "Flop Eared Mule." Some thirty years after he published this very early Motown favorite, Couse published his philosophical The New Philosophy of Being and Existence (1883). He probably should have stuck to music, as his philosophy made little apparent sense and was forgotten before it was remembered. But his Schottische is still a catchy tune. Item 29. $50.

John Witherspoon was a Scottish clergyman who was called to America to become the sixth president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton). He was, not surprisingly, a proponent of Scottish realist philosophy (perhaps he would have enjoyed Mr. Couse's Schottische). This educator and clergyman may be even better known for a political stance he took in 1776. Witherspoon was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Item 127 is a set of the four volumes of The Works of the Rev. John Witherspoon, published in 1800-1801. $2,250.

Rudi Thoemmes Rare Books may be reached at +44 (0)117 902 8546. Their website is www.rrbltd.com.

You will find many of Rudi Thoemmes' books listed in "Books For Sale" on this site. Click here.