Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review'This is an excellent study which Diderot scholars will not just want to read but to own. It provides a solid platform for further research into Diderot’s scientific world-view and will remain a valuable resource for years to come.'
Modern Language Review
'Since Ballstadt is also a scrupulous recorder of Diderot’s own words, many of the chapters offer useful potted summaries of Diderot’s writings. These summaries also situate Diderot’s texts alongside the relevant books, personages and intellectual debates that informed his work, and from this perspective too the book can be recommended as a largely accurate and well-researched introduction to Diderot’s scientific ideas.'
British Journal of the History of Science, Volume 43/2
'Divided into chapters on mathematics, experimental physics, chemistry, natural history and medicine, this book documents and analyzes Diderot’s scientific thought. By a happy coincidence this order reflects not only a progression from abstraction to particularity, but also the development of Diderot’s interest in science.'
New Perspectives on the Eighteenth Century
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. Mathematics
2. Experimental physics
3. Chemistry
4. Natural history
5. Medicine
Conclusion
Appendix: chronological list of Diderot works referenced
Bibliography
Index
