The life of Monsieur Des Cartes containing the history of his philosophy and works : as also the most remarkable things that befell him during the whole course of his life / translated from the French by S.R.

BOOK. I.

THE Family of Des Cartes hath ever been reputed as one of the best in all Tourain, there was never observed in it any unfit Matches or wrong Al∣liance, that might alter its Nobility, and we find no date of its being made noble that can determine and fix the antiquity thereof, the branch of the Eldest Brothers having diffused it self into the House Lillette, and then a∣gain into that of Maillé, the branch of the Puinees, or Younger Brothers increast very much, and extended it self into the upper Poictou, yea and it even past as far as Berry and

Anjou by means of its Alliances and Matches, until at last, at the time of the League it was reduced on the Males side to but one single person Peter Des Cartes Grandfather to the Philosopher whose Life we are here about to undertake to write.

Peter Des Cartes, after having with good success served in the War against the Enemies of the Religion of his Countrey, and against those of the state of his Prince, quitted the service pretty early, on purpose that he might the longer relish the fruits of repose, that he procured himself; he had no more but one Son of Claudia Ferrand Sister to Anthony Fer∣rand, principal Lieutenant particular of the Chastelet of Paris; and Sister to Michael Fer∣rand who was Father to M. Ferrand Dean of Parliament.

This Son by name Joachim was the first of the Family who was of the Long Robe or fol∣lowed the Law, who went to settle in Bri∣taigne, after he had got the place of Chancel∣lour of the Parliament of Rennes on the 14th of Feb. 1586. upon the resignation of D'Emery Reynald; he Married afterward by a Contract bearing date 15. Jan. 1589. Jane Brochard Daughter to the Lieutenant General of Poictiers, who bore him three Children during the little time she lived with him: the Eldest named Peter Des Cartes Sieur dela Bretailliere Counsellour of the Parliament of Bretaiyne, was Father to Monsieur Des Cartes seur de Kerleau, who is at present Subdean to the same Parliament. The second was a Daughter,

Married to Mr. Roger de Crevis, and Grand∣mother to Monsieur the Count de Villeneave alive at this day.

II. The last was Renatus Des Cartes our Phi∣losopher, who was born at La Haye, or the Hague in Turaine upon the River of Creuse on the 31th day of March, in the year 1596. in the seventh year of Henry the Great or Hen. 4. in the beginning of the fifth year of the Pon∣tificat of Clement the eighth, He shewed him∣self very ill satisfied in the course of his Life, afterward, that any one should take notice of his Birth-day from the Baptismal Register of the Parish, and from the Genialogical Ar∣chives, or Pedigree of his Family; his Reason was, because He had a great aversion to your Calculaters of Nativity, whose errour one seems to promote when he publisheth the Birth of any one. But it is not so much a reason as a pretence which he alledged to those who were willing to make use of this Circumstance to make him known to the publick.

III. He received Baptism the third day of April ensuing in the Parochial Church of St. George of La Haye, and they gave the Sir-name of Du Perron which was a Lordship belonging to the Family, that he might be distinguished from his Eldest Brother in the family.

His Mother being brought to Bed and ly∣ing in, pretty fortunate for him, was followed with a sickness that hindred her up sitting: she had been ill all along from the very time of her being big, of Pulmonic distemper, oc∣casioned to her by some displeasure, that came

not to our notice: her Son who told us this particular, only informed us that she died shortly after she was delivered of him.

The cares of the Father may well defend the Child from those inconveniencies which are to be fear'd from the loss of the Mother, yet they cannot for all that, secure him from those infirmities that attend the weak disposi∣tion he brought into the World with him. A dry cough and pale colour were hereditary to him from his Mother, which he kept until he was above twenty years of age: and all Physitians whoever looked on him before that time, condemned him to dye young. But amongst all these first rubs, he received one advantage which he remembred all his Life time, that is, that of being entrusted to a Nurse who omitted nothing at all, that her duty could possibly require of her, which he was willing generously to acknowledge by a Pension he settled upon her for the remainder of her life, as soon as ever he found himself in a capacity to enjoy and manage an Estate.

The Death of his Mother did much contri∣bute to the taking his Father off from his ac∣quaintance he had in Poicto••, and to the chang∣ing his inclinations he found for Touraine.

His residing in these Provinces, in some of his Houses, or in some place where his Estate lay thereabouts, wonderfully pleas'd him till that time, and he took great delight in going thither to pass away that time which his six months service in Parliament could spare him. But a few years after he reduced himself

wholly to Britaigne, and there he fixt the rest of his days, by a new Marriage which he con∣tracted with Anne Morin, Daughter to the chief President of the Chamber of Accompts at Nants. He had by her a Son and a Daugh∣ter. The Son was Counsellour in Parliament, Seigneur de Chavagnes by name, Father to Mon∣sieur de Chavagnes now living, a Counsellour in the same Parliament, who has turn'd Priest since the death of his Wife. The Daughter was Married to one Louis d' Avangour Seigneur dubois de Kergrais.

IV. The cares of this new family did not cause Joachim des Cartes to divert his cares he owed to his Son du Perron whom he was wont to call Philosopher because of the insatiable curiosity that appear'd in the Child to demand the reasons and effects of whatsoever enter'd, by his senses.

The weakness of his disposition, and un∣constancy of his health obliged the Father to leave him along time under the tuition of Wo∣men. Yet at the time they were but busie about his body, and endeavour to procure him a good strong constitution, he afforded almost every day instances of the beautifulness of his genious. He shewed, in the midst of these his infirmities such promising dispositions for study; that his Father could not chuse but procure him the first exercises suitable to the design he had of cultivating his stock of parts, maugre the resolution he had taken to make sure of the corporeal health of his Son, before he attempted any thing upon his mind.

To this effect they carried on the business, that nothing was spoiled. So that a Man may say these first studies were nothing but sleight Essays, and but superficial rude draughts and delineations at those they intended to make him perform when he was of Age.

His Father considering he was going into his ninth year, thought it behoved him to take the advantage of the new foundation of that famous Colledge of La fleche in favour of the Jesuits, he admitted him, and put him into Commons there Anno 1604. after Winter was over, and recommended him particularly to the care of Father Charlet his Kinsman. This Father, who was along time Rector of this Colledge, before he proceeded to the chief employments of the Company, conceiv∣ed such a tender affection for young Des Cartes du Perron, the willinger took upon him all the care in reference to his Body as well as his Mind. He was like both a Father and Go∣vernour to him above eight years together that he stay'd in the Colledge, and helped him to Father Dine•• for a tutour, who was since Provincial and Confessour to our Kings. Both of them perceiving our young Scholar pretty sensible of all their kindnesses, were not long before they joined to them some esteem and affection for him, and after that had been his directours as to his Studies, Con∣duct and Behaviour, so they made him their Friend, and continued so to be till death, whom also they were careful to discourse with and entertain, by a mutual commerce of Let∣t•••••• and Recommendations.

Young Des Cartes, whom we shall no lon∣ger call du Perron, but only at such time as there is need to distinguish him in His Paren∣tage, Had brought along with him at his first coming to the Colledge a more than or∣dinary Passion to acquire the Sciences, and this Passion being backt with a solid under∣standing, yet quick, lively, and free withal, he evermore answered the intentions of his Father, and diligence of his Tutors beyond expectation; in all the course of his Humanity which was five years and an half, none ever perceived in him the least affectation of singu∣larity, except that which emulation produced, for he took some Pride, to out-run such of his companions who had out-stript others. Being of a very good nature, of an easie com∣plying humour, he never found himself uneasie at the submission he paid to his Masters Will; and his diligence in plying his business and performing his task, both of the Classe and Chamber, cost him nothing.

With these two hopeful dispositions he made great proficiency in the knowledge of the two Tongues, the importance and necessi∣ty whereof for understanding ancient Authors he early apprehended. He loved Poetry a great deal more than those, who look upon him but as a Philosopher, can possibly imagin. Nay he had even something of a Talent for Poe∣try; he hath made it plainly appear that he was not astranger to the phancies and niceties there∣of. He found moreover a great deal of pleasure in the Fables of the Ancients, not so much be∣cause

of some mysteries of natural and moral Philosophy that was couched under them, as that they roused his Spirit by their genteil phancies.

In recompence of his faithfulness and exact∣ness wherewith he discharged his duty, he ob∣tain'd liberty, not to keep close to Lectures, nor compositions which otherwise were enjoin'd him in Common with his associates. Now his business was to make use of this liberty to satis∣fie his passion, which he felt to increase in him to acquire a clear and certain knowledge of wha••∣••oever conduceth to the profit and advantage of Life, which they had put him in hopes to attain by means of humanity;

upon this account not taking up with that which is taught in the Colledge, he run over, If a man may believe him, all the Books that treat of Sciences, that men account the most rare and curious,

which you must understand only of what could at that time come to his hands. I shall add, for the undeceiving those who have suspected, that in the whole series of his life, that he had but small inclination, or value for Books: that we meet with but very few sentiments more advantagious than those he past upon them in those days,

He was fully persuaded that reading of good Books, is as it were the conversing with the greatest wits and honest∣est persons of former ages, who were Authors of them, but withal that it was a studied conversation, in which they discovered to us their best thoughts only.

V. Besides emulation of study, behaviour and genteil breeding, Colledges do yet pro∣duce another advantage, of which Monsieur Des Cartes would not be deprived, that is to say, the advantage of friends and acquaintance, which one does there contract with those of his own age, and humour, and which prove the Seeds of the strongest and most durable friendship; the antientest of his Friends were without doubt those he got acquaintance with in the Colledge of La fleche. But besides Re∣natus le clerc, since Bishop of Glandave, and the Sieur Chauveau of Melun, who afterward be∣came a grand Mathematician, and a zealous Cartesian; we know no more, besides, in those days, but Father Marinus Marsennus, a Minim, who past for Monsieur Des Cartes his Resident at Paris, amongst Learned men, and for the Dean, of his friends and followers, notwithstanding, he was near upon eight years older than he, and albeit he was in his Rhe∣torick, when the other did but begin his Ac∣cidence.

M. Des Cartes was in the first year of his course of Philosophy, when the news of the Kings Death, slain upon Friday May 4. 1610. made a Non term in the Colledge, this Prince upon bestowing his house of La fleche upon the Jesuits, desired his Heart, that of the Queen, and his Successours might be carried thither after their Death, and kept in their Church, so that all the time that past between that fatal news, and the removing the Kings Heart to La fleche, was spent in publick

Prayers in the Colledge, in funeral composi∣tions, both in Verse and Prose, and in prepa∣rations for the reception of this depositum. It was performed on the first of June with a great deal of Ceremony, and it was constituted and agreed upon in the Townhall of La flesche, that upon the aniversary day their should be performed every year a solemn Procession, with Service suitable thereto for the Kings Soul, and that the said day should be obser∣ved thence forward just as Holy days are, in shutting up all Courts of Indicature, in mak∣ing vacation in the several closses, and causing all shops to be close shut up.

Monday following of June the term begun again for performing the usual exercises in the Colledge, and Monsieur Des Cartes continued his Study of Ethicks. The Logick he studied the Winter foregoing, was the only one of all the parts of Logick, whereto, as he after∣wards declared, he applied himself the most in the Colledge. From that time he perceiv∣ed that Syllogisms, and the greatest part of the other instructions of your School Logick, serve not so much to understand things which one would fain know, as to explain those one knows to others: or else to prate without judgement of those whereof a man is ignorant, which is the effect they ascribe to Ramond Lul∣lies Art. Of all the dictates he received from his Masters, he retained none but the four Rules, which served afterwards whereon to ground his new Philosophy, the first is, Not to admit any thing for truth, that he did not clearly

and distinctly know to be so. The second, To di∣vide things as far as possibly one could, the better to resolve them. The third, To regulate a Mans Thoughts orderly, beginning with the most simple objects, on purpose to come up by degrees, to the knowledge of the most compound ones. The fourth is, To omit nothing in the anumeration of the things whose parts he is to examine. But at that very time he compiled a singular method for himself of disputing in Philosophy, which mightily pleased his perpetual director Father Charlet, as it did likewise his Tutor Father Dinet, altho' it put him that moderated to his Trumps. When they came to propound an argument in the disputation, he, at first, asked several questions de definitione nominum; then he asked if they did not agree about cer∣tain received truths known, of which he made them agree and consent to. Thereup∣on he composed only one argument, from which it was very hard to get clear without pussing.

The Study of the Morality of the Schools stood him in stead, chiefly to make him distinguish that of the Heathen, and of the Moral honest man of the World, from that of a Christian, but we are at a loss to know certainly whether or no, he was beholding to his Masters Papers, for the four Maximes wherein he makes all his particular Morality to consist. The first of these Maximes was To obey the Laws and Customs of his Country. sticking close to the Religion in which God was pleased he should be born. The second, to be sted∣fast

and resolute in his actions, and to adhere as constantly to the most dubious opinions, when he should once be determined to follow them, as if they were most certain. The third, to labour rather to conquer himself than Fortune. To change his desire rather than the Order of the World, and to persuade himself that nothing is ab∣solutely in our power, but our Thoughts. The fourth, To determine and propose something to himself, without blaming other Men in their Em∣ployments and different occupations, to determine and propose to himself the business of improving his reason; and to search out the truth of all things all his Life long. The year following which he spent in the Study of Metaphisicks was less satisfactory to him, than the Study of Logick and Ethicks. At that very time he perceived himself perplext with errous and doubts, in∣stead, of that clear and distinct knowledge of whatsoever conduceth to the benefit of Life, which they bore him in hand he should discover in his Studies. The further he proceeded, the more he discovered his own ignorance, he saw by the Lectures of his Masters and the reading of their Books, that Phylosophy had been cultivated and improved from all antiquity by the men of the most excellent parts that ever appear'd in the World, and yet for all that, there was not any thing in the World, of which men did not dispute, and call in question, and con∣sequently nothing but what was doubtful. All the esteem he had put upon his Masters, could not stock himself with presumption to hope that he could hit on it better than others;

considering the diversity of opinions main∣tain'd by learned persons touching the same subject matter, there being never more than one of them that could be true, he had already accustom'd himself almost to repute whatso∣ever was but probable, for false. If he had never had but one Master, or if he had never been acquainted with these different opinions amongst Philosophers, he protesteth he should never have had occasion to sequester himself, and withdrawn from the number of such who must be content to follow other mens opi∣nions, rather than to find out others them∣selves. But having learnt even when he was in the Colledge, (they are his own expressi∣ons) that one cannot imagine that thing so uncouth and wild that hath not been advanced by some Philosopher or other, he pretends he could by no means make choise of any one guide, whose opinions could appear to him much to be prefer'd before the opinions of others: this was that which put him upon cut∣ting out himself a new road in process of time, and to undertake the conducting and manage∣ing himself.

In despight of all the rubs his tow'ring Spi∣rit met with in the pursuit of his Philosophy, yet was he to come to the end of his course, in the same time as the rest of his fellow Stu∣dents did, that never found any quaeries to put, nor any difficulties to remove in the trans∣cripts of their Masters; they made him pro∣ceed after that, to the Study of Mathema∣ticks, to which he alloted his last years resi∣dence

at La flesche, the delight he took there∣in, paid him with interest for the vast trou∣ble and pains the School Philosophy had put him to; and the progress he made there∣in was so extraordinary, that the Colledge of La flesche hath acquired it self by his means the glory of having produc't the greatest Ma∣thematician they ever yet saw. Amongst the parts of Mathematicks, he chosed the Analysis from Geometry, and Algebra to make the sub∣ject of his particular application, on purpose to purge them from what was unprofitable and hurtful in them, and to bring them to perfection, this is that he laboured about at the very time he was in the Colledge, with∣out depending either upon his Master or fel∣low Collegians, if we give credit to those who would make him the Author of that sort of Algebra which they call the Key of all the Liberal Arts and of all Sciences. Which they esteem as the best method, that ever saw the light, to discern truth from falshood.

The dispensation he had obtain'd from the Father Principal of the Colledge not to be ob∣liged to practise every punctilio of the School Philosophy, supply'd with an opportunity and means to follow it as closely as he could rea∣sonably desire. Father Charlet Rectour of the Colledge had conceded to him amongst other priviledges, that of lying long in Bed, as well by reason of his weakness of disposition as for that he observed in him a mind natural∣ly inclin'd to meditation, Des Cartes finding when he awaked all his Spirits recollected,

and his Senses much composed and sedate af∣ter his Nights rest improved all these favoura∣ble conjunctures for to meditate; this practice turn'd so into a second nature, that it was his usual manner of Studying all his Life after. And one may safely say, that the World owes to his Morning Meditations in Bed, all those fine important productions of his Brain both in Philosophy and Mathematicks.

VII. Having finished the course of his Stu∣dies in the Month of August 1612. He quits the Colledge of La flesche after eight years and half being Resident therein, and returned home to his Fathers House, with the accumu∣lated Praises and Good Word of his Masters or Tutours. There remain'd to him all his whole Life after, a great stock of thankful acknowledgment for the obligation they laid upon him, and he had a great kindness and esteem for the Colledge, which he was wont to extol above all others, whether it was be∣cause his own experience had afforded him a more particular knowledge of it, or else be∣cause we are natural and commonly induced to commend the Place of our Education equally with that of our birth, and to boast of our Masters as of our Parents.

But altho', he might be satisfied with his Masters upon his leaving the Colledge, yet was he by no means satisfied with himself. It seem'd to him that he had got nothing by his Studies, but a greater knowledge of his ignorance, all the advantages he had gained, in the Eyes of the World, and which were

bragg'd of as so many wonders, were all re∣duced, according to his own opinion, to em∣barras and perplexity, to doubts, and troubles of mind. The Laurels wherewith his Masters crowned him, thereby to distinguish him from his fellow Students, appeared to him but Thorns.

If we do not belye nor undervalue the judgment of those who were well acquain∣ted with those times, we should not deny but that he abundantly deserved, a stripling as he was, that Rank, the Publick bestowed on him even at that time, amongst the Able Learned Men of the Age. But it was never a more dangerous time to be lavish of the qua∣lity of a Wise and Knowing Person; for he was not content only to reject this quality which Men would have fastened upon him: but willing to measure other Mens Corn by his own bushel, it was ten to one but he had taken those who bore the same quality, for no real Knowing Learned Men, and his un∣dervaluing of whatsoever, Men Term, Scien∣ces, was very like to have discovered it self.

The displeasure he conceived to see him∣self disabused of the mistake wherewith he flatter'd himself to be able to acquire, A clear and assured knowledge of whatsoever is profitable to life. Was like to have precipitated him into despair, seeing, besides, that the Age he lived in was as flourishing as any of the preceeding, and phancying with himself that all the Men of Parts, of which this Age was very fruitful,

found themselves in the same predicament he was in, although peradventure they were so sensible of it as himself; he had a shrewd Temptation to believe, that there was no such thing as a Science in the World in every res∣pect, such an one as they made him hope for.

The result of all these tedious, vexatious Deliberations, was that from the year 1613. he would forsake and discard all Books, and totally rid himself of the Study of Learning. By this kind of forsaking, he seem'd to imi∣tate the greatest part of your Sparks of Qua∣lity, who are not necessitated to Study where∣by to subsist, or to get Preferment in the World. Yet there is this difference, that these in bidding adieu to Books, dream of no∣thing else but to shake off that Yoak which the Colledge had rendred insupportable to them, whereas Monsieur Des Cartes would not have packt off his Books, for which, he had otherwise a great love for; but only because he found not in them what he sought for, upon the Credit of those who ingaged him to ply his Study. Although he was sensible how much he was obliged to his Masters, who o∣mitted nothing within the verge of their pow∣er, for to satisfie him; Nevertheless he did not believe himself at all beholden to his Stu∣dies, for what he afterward effected for tra∣••ing of Truth in Arts and Sciences; he did not stick to say to some Friends, that although his Father had not brought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up a Schollar, yet he would not for all that, have forborn writing in his Mother Tongue, the self same thing he has written in Latin.

VIII. He spent the Winter at the latter end of 1612. and beginning of 1613. in the City of Reimes or Rennes, in paying visits to his Family, to learn to ride the gaeat Horse, to learn to Fence, and other such like Exer∣cises suitable to his quality, one may guess by a little Treatise of his concerning Fencing••, whether or no he mis-spent his time in that Exercise.

His Father who had already caused his El∣der Brother to apply himself to the Law, seemed to have some thoughts of designing him for the Service of his King and Country in the Army; but his tender years, and the weakness of his Constitution, would not per∣mit him to expose him so early to the Toiles of War. He judged it adviceable, first to let him see the World, to that purpose he re∣solved to send him to Paris towards the Spring, but perhaps it was a great over-sight in him, to Abandon him to his own Conduct, and leave him to himself, without affording him any other Governour but a valet de Chambre, and not any to inspect him besides a Lacquey or two: he relyed too confidently upon the wisdom of a Youth of 17. years, void of Ex∣perience, and of all helps, but his own pro∣per strength to wrastle against all occasions of undoing himself.

Yea, and he had power enough to guard him from grosser Debauches, not to be over∣taken by the Disorders of Intemperance; but he found he was not proof against Companies that hawled him away, to take a walk now

and then to Gaming, and other Divertisements that pass in the World for indifferent in them∣selves: that which contributed much to make him more particularly addicted to Gaming, was, that he came always off with great For∣tune, especially in those Games that depend more upon industry than chance.

But the worst improvement he made du∣ring this idle time, was the renewing his Ac∣quaintance with divers persons, whom he had seen at La Flesche, and the Friendship he Con∣tracted with some Persons of worth; who served a little to reclaim him from that aver∣sion that had seized him for the Study of Books.

The most considerable of his new Friends, was that Famous Claudius Mydorge Treasurer of France, and of the generality of Amiens, Son to a Counsellor of the great Chamber, and Successor to Vieta, in his Reputation of the chief Mathematician in France, during some time; M. Des Cartes, who was younger by al∣most eleven years, found, I know not, what in this Acquaintance: Whether for his humour, or the Character of his Mind, which united them so close in such strict bonds of Friend∣ship, that nothing could have separated them, but Monsieur Mydorge his Death.

It was about the same time also, that he light again upon Marcinus Mersennus at Paris, ••ut as to his Exteriour Garb, quite different from that he had known him at La Flesche, Mer∣sennus had turn'd Minim after his leaving the Sorbon-School, this renewing of their acquain∣tance,

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was so much the more acceptable to the Monk, because Monsieur D. Cartes was not so much below him, as when he saw him a Lad in the Colledge. On the other side, the Meeting proved Advantagious for Monsieur Des Cartes; forasmuch as it served to deliver him from his being given to Gaming, and o∣ther unprofitable pastimes: They began to relish the sweetness of their innocent acquain∣tance, and to solace one another in the re∣search of truth, when Father Mersennus was about the year 1614. sent to Nevers, there to read Philosophy to the young Monks of his Order.

This Separation went to Monsieur Des Cartes his Heart. But in stead of occasioning him•• any thoughts to return to his sports and idle∣ness, it made him come the better to himself, than the presence of his Virtuous Friend did, it inspired into him the Resolution to retire from the World, and forsake even his usual Friends and Companions, on purpose to set himself again to the Study that he had Re∣linquished. He made choice of a place of Retirement in the Fauxbourg St. Germain, where he hired an House out of the Noise, and shut himself up, with only one or two Servants, without so much as giving his Friends or Kinsmen notice thereof. Having in this manner recovered his gusto for Study, he was over Head and Ears in the Study of Mathe∣maticks, to which he bestowed all that Lei∣sure he had but now procured himself, which continued near upon two years.

Such of his Friends which were good for nothing else but to pass away the time and di∣vertisement, soon grew weary, that they see him no more: They sought him up and down, but all in vain, in the City, at Court, and in his Country; he was so wise at the beginning of his Retirement, to prevent the chance of meeting any, that he might not fall into the Hands of these Troublesome Persons, when he was obliged to go abroad about his occasi∣ons; the business had no bad Success for near two years together; but he afterwards relyed but too confidently upon the luckiness of his Solitude, for not being vigilant enough about his regress and ingress, and not cautious of his ways, and turnings as before, he was met with by one of his Friends, whom he could not get quit off, till such time as he should discover the place of his Abode.

This cost Monsieur Des Cartes his Liberty, to say no worse, the Friend did so far prevail by his frequent reiterated visits, and by his importunity, that he first troubled his Repose, and then Diverted him from his beloved So∣litude, to bring him again upon the Stage of the World; and to plung him again into Di∣vertisements as before.

But he soon perceived he had changed his Relish for Pleasure, Games, and walkings were not so Charming to him, as once before; and the Enchantments of Worldly Delights, had but very weak effects upon him, against the Charms of Philosophy and Mathematicks, from which his Jovial Friends were not able

to free him. They made him spend the Christmas holy days Anno 1616. and the be∣ginning of the next year, till Shrovetide, as merrily as they possibly could. But they could not make him take delight in any thing but Musick, by a Consort of which he could not chuse but be much taken, considering the skill he had in Mathematick's.

He no longer could hope from the impor∣tunate companions of his Age and Quality, to have the liberty of retrieving and improv∣ing his retirement, and beside seeing himself one and twenty years of Age, he deemed it his duty to enter upon Service; He departed for Holland in the Month of May, and Listed himself in the Prince of Orange his Troops, in quality of a Voluntier, doing in this as many other younger Brothers of the French Nobi∣lity did: who flockt thither, to learn the Trade of War, under the Conduct of that great Captain.

But as his Heart was already prepossessed by a stronger passion for the research of Truth, to which he was fully resolved to apply him∣self sooner or later, his design was not to be∣come a great Warriour in this Prince his School, so that in determining to bear Arms, he resolved never to appear any way forward as an Actor, but every where to be but as a Spectator of what is played in all sorts of Common-wealths and States, upon the Stages of the World. He turned Souldier for no other end, but only to Study the different natures of men more according to nature, and

to endeavour to make himself proof against all the accidents of Life. That he might not be uneasie under any Superiour Power, he re∣fused upon his first entrance all Command and all Engagements, and always maintained himself at his own charges. But pro forma to keep up the custom he was to receive once at least his Pay, and had the curiosity to pre∣serve that piece of Money he had for his Pay all his Life, as a Testimony of his having serv∣ed in the Army.

He did really take delight in War at that Age, but this inclination was but the effect of the heat of his Liver, which was asswaged in process of time. Altho', the City of Bre∣da where he lay in Garrison, enjoy'd at that time the quiet which was procured it by the Truce concluded upon, between the Spaniard and Hollander, yet for all that he always shew∣ed himself an utter Enemy of Idleness and Libertinism. Whether you consider him in his Military Occupations, wherein he was assiduous and careful as any of the hottest for∣wardest Souldiers, or be it you look upon him at the leisure hours he could spare from his Duties, which he employed in Study, when others spent it in Debauchery.

At that time it so happened, that an Ano∣nymus person caused a Problem of Mathema∣ticks to be affixt up and down the streets of Breda, to be propounded to the Learned, and to require the solution of it. Monsieur Des Cartes beholding the concourse of Passengers stopping before the Note affixt Writ in Dutch,

desired the next Man he found by him, that he would please to tell him either in Latin or French, the substance of what is contained. The Man, as good luck would have it, to whom he addrest himself, was willing to sa∣tisfie him, yet upon this condition, that he on his part would be obliged to solve the Pro∣blem, which he judged it self to be very difficult. Monsieur Des Cartes accepted of the condition with such a resolute Air, that the Man little expecting such a thing from a young Cadel in the Army, gave him his name in Writing, together with the Place of his Abode, to the intent he might bring him the solution of it when he should find it out. Monsieur Des Cartes understood by his Note, that his Name was Isaac Beekman, and that he was Principal of the Colledge at Dort, no sooner was he return'd to his Quarters, but setting himself to examine the Problem of the unknown Person, after the Rules of his Me∣thod, he found out the solution of it with much ease and readiness, as Vieta once did in resolving in less than three hours, that famous question propounded by Adrian Romain to all Mathematicians under the Cope of Heaven. Not to fail of his Word, away he goes next day to Beckmans Lodging, brings him the so∣lution of the Problem, nay and offers to give him the construction of it, if he desired so much, Beckman seem'd surprised, but his won∣der increased when beginning to discourse, on purpose to pose him, and sound the parts and capacities of the Young Man, he found his

Abilities much beyond his own in the Sciences wherein his whole time had been taken up for several years. He craved of his amicable correspondence, and offered him his, and be∣••eecht him to consent that they might main∣tain a mutual commerce of Studies, all the remainder of their Life. Monsieur Des Car∣••es answered all those Civilities with all the effects of unfeigned amity, notwithstanding ••e was younger than he by near thirty years, ••nd that he might give him evidences of the confidence he reposed in him, he chearfully consented that he should be his correspondent for Holland, as he desired he might.

Whilst Count Maurice came to be P. of ••range upon the Death of his Brother, which happened the 20th. of Feb. 1618. and was just going through the Provinces and Cities with ••ome Troops, to reduce the Armenians: Monsieur Des Cartes had a mind to stay at Breda, where he imploy'd his time in compo∣••ing some Writings, amongst which, that which is best known, is his Teatise of Musick, ••e composed it in Latin, for he had acquired a notable knack of Conceiving and Writing ex tempore, whatsoever came into his Mind. He was willing to entrust him with the Ori∣ginal, at whose request he had composed it, ••ut with this Proviso that he should let no body see, because, judging it very imperfect, he fear'd lest it should become publick, ei∣ther by Printing it, or by Multiplication of some Copies. Beeckman who was reckoned amongst the prime Mathematicians of the

Age, found it not too imperfect for him, and thinking Des, Cartes had disown'd and laid no claim to it, he thought fit to get some credit by it, as tho' he had been the Author of it. Monsieur Des Cartes believed he was obliged to bring down his Pride, and to let him un∣derstand what a base thing it is to acquire him∣self a little reputation at the expence of pre∣judicing the Truth.

His Friends could never get his consent to publish this Treatise whilst he was alive; his Enemies having come by a Copy of it not so perfect as should be, sought for an occasion to be revenged of him after his Death. But they laboured to their own shame, and were so far from disgracing his Memory, that they drew upon him the admiration of all who knew that it was the composure of a Youth of 22 years old. To tell you Truth, the pub∣lick does not at this time judge it such a mean piece, as the Author would make them be∣lieve it to be: the multitude of Editions, and the Translations into English and French, warrants its being approved on.

XI. Beekman leaving to the Ministers and Divines the care of holding their National Council in his City comes to Breda to spend the best part of his Time with Monsieur Des Cartes to exercise himself in the Mathe∣maticks with him, and to propound questions to be resolved by him; Monsieur Des Cartes did not acquiesce in the answers he made to them. He left behind him also divers pretty works, that would have past their Word

that he spent his time well, if he would but have let them see the light; Amongst this ju∣venile Works, one finds his opinion concern∣••ng the Souls of Brutes, or, of Machines: Writ, twenty years before he published his ••rinciple touching the distinction between a Thinking Substance, and a Substance extend∣••d. He had not so much as perused at that Age St. Augustin, or Pereira, nor any other Author that was capable to afford him any ••••sight into this Sentiment, nay, it moreover ••ppears, that he never in all his Life had seen ••ereira, and that it was from some of his Friends, and some who envied him, that he ••ad the news that they found some resem∣••lance between his opinion and that of this ••paniard.

Nevertheless Monsieur Des Cartes not find∣••••g that variety of occupation under the Prince ••f Orange, that he promis'd himself upon his ••aving France, sought for an opportunity to ••emove from the Low Countries to serve ••omewhere else. The news that was brought ••o Breda of the great Commotions of Germany, ••wakened his Curiosity of being Spectatour of the most considerable affair that past in Eu∣••ope. They talked of a new Emperour, they talked of the States of Bohemia's Revolt against their King, and of a War commenced be∣tween the Papists and Protestants: upon this ••ccount Monsieur Des Cartes having a mind to leave Holland, made use of this pretence, viz. The little exercise the Cessation of Arms afforded him, which was agreed on between

the Prince of Orange his Forces, and those of Marquess Spinola, which was to continue two years longer, conformable to the Conventions of Truce. His resolution was to pass into Germany, that he might serve in the Papist Armys, yet before he would determine to enter into any ingagement, he long'd to be present at the Coronation of the new Empe∣rour which was to be performed in the City of Francford.

XII. He departed from Breda in the month of July, Anno 1619. he got to Madstricht, and from thence to Aix la chapelle, where he learnt the State of Affairs of Germany; and the pre∣parations that City were accustomed to make for the Coronation of the Emperours. Be∣ing come to Mentz he understood that John Schwichart the Elector, had summoned all the other Electors of the Empire according to the usual manner, and had ordered them to meet at Francford on the 20th of July to pro∣ceed to the Election of a new Emperour.

He was in this last City against the time that Ferdinand II. arrived there, as King of Bohemia and Elector of the Empire: this Prince was Elected King of the Romains the 28th of August, and was Crowned Emperour the 30th of the said month, according to the old stile, that is to say, the 9th of September according to our account. Monsieur Des Car∣tes did not appear at the first Ceremony, that respected the Election of the King of the Ro∣mains, by reason that an order was issued out to all Forreigners and Strangers, that is to

say, to such that neither belonged to the place, ••••or to the Electors retinue, to void the Town, yet was he present at the second Ceremony that concern'd the Coronation of the Empe∣••our, and he had the curiosity to behold once ••or all, what past at it; To the end he might not be ignorant of what the principal actours of this World do represent of most pompous and glorious upon the Theatre of the Uni∣verse.

Before he went to Francford; he deliberat∣ed with himself what side he was to be on, when he informed that the Duke of Bavaria ••levy'd Forces. This news produced a design in him to list himself therein, without knowing precisely against what Enemy they were to march; all that he understood of it came to thus much, that he was not ig∣norant of the noise the troubles of Bohemia made throughout all Germany. As he did not much matter the entring into the interests of States and Princes, under whose dominion Providence had not ordain'd him to be born, so he did not pretend to bear a Musquet to promote the concerns of the one, nor yet to destroy those of the other. He listed himself therefore in the Army of the Duke of Bava∣ria, only as a private Voluntier, not being wil∣ling to accept any employ. And at that time the report went that they were design'd against Mansfield the Bastard, and the other Generals of those that had revolted in Bohemia, but the Duke of Bavaria gave them to under∣stand a little while after, that they were to

March against Frederick V. Elector Pala∣tine of the Rhine, whom the States of Bohe∣mia, had chosen for their King, but four days before the Coronation of the Emperor Fer∣dinando the Second, whom they intended to exclude from that Crown by this Enter∣prize.

Notes

• Jeachim.
• Joane.
• His Birth.
• His Bap∣tism.
• The condi∣tion of his health.
• Second Marriage of his Fa∣ther.
• His inclina∣tions to Study.
• They send him to La fl••che to Stu∣dy.
• The profi∣ciency in Latin and Greek.
• His friends in the Col∣ledge.
• The carry∣ing Hen. 4. Heart to La fl••ch••.
• The fruits he reaped of his lo∣gick and E∣thicks.
• He leaves the Col∣ledge.
• Small sa∣tisfaction in his Stu∣dies.
• He discards Books and Sciences, and why.
• His stay at Reimes and then at Pa∣ris.
• His Friend∣ship with M. Mydorg••.
• With Fa∣ther Mer∣s••••nus.
• His Retire∣ment, and his return to his Study.
• He is found out and in∣terrupted.
• He goes in∣to Holland to bear Arms.
• ••is design in it.
• He compo∣ses his Treatise of Musick.
• Other Works be∣gun.
• He was present at the Coro∣nation of Ferdinand. II.
• He gets in∣to the D. of Bavaria's Army.