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 VII. (Book 7)

From 1644 till 1650. (Book 7)

I. & II. AT his Arrival,* 1.1 he found the Edi∣tion of his Principles, and the Latine Translation of his Essays finished, and the Copies come out of Holland. The Trea∣tise of Principles did not come out, neither did that Piece he called his World, nor his Course of Philosophy, both of which were suppress'd. He had a mind to divide them into other Parts: The First of which contains the Prin∣ciples of Humane Knowledge, which one may call the first Philosophy or Metaphysicks: wherein it hath very much relation and con∣nexion with his Meditations.

The Second contains what is most general in Philosophy, and the Explanation of the first Laws of Nature, and of the principles of na∣tural things, the Proprieties of Bodies, Space, and Motion, &c.

The Third contains a particular Explanation, of the System of the World, and more espe∣cially of what we mean by the Heavens and Celestial Bodies.

The Fourth contains whatsoever belongs to the Earth.

That which is most remarkable in this Work, is, That the Author after having first of all established the distinction and difference he puts between the Soul and the Body, when he hath laid down, for the Principles of cor∣poreal things, bigness, figure and local motion; all which are things in themselves so clear and intelligible, that they are granted and recei∣ved by every one whatsoever; he hath found out a way to explain all Nature in a manner, and to give a reason of the most wonderful Effects, without altering the Principles; yea, and without being inconsistent with himself in any thing whatsoever.

Yet had he not the presumption for all that to believe he had hit upon the explication of all natural things, especially such that do not fall under our senses, in the same manner as they really and truly are in themselves. He should do something indeed, if he could but come the nearest that it was possible to likeli∣hood or verisimilitude, to which others be∣fore him could never reach; and if he could

••o bring the matter about, that, whatsoever ••e had written should exactly agree with all ••he Phenomena's of Nature, this he judged sufficient for the use of Life, the profit and benefit of which seems to be the main and only end one ought to propose to himself in Mechanicks, Physick, or Medicine; and in all Arts that may be brought to perfection by the help of Physick or natural Philoso∣phy.

But of all things he hath explained, there is not one of them that doth not seem at least morally certain in respect of the profit of life, notwithstanding they may be uncertain in re∣spect of the absolute Power of God. Nay, there are several of them that are absolutely, or more than morally certain; such as are Ma∣thematical Demonstrations, and those evident ratiocinations he hath framed concerning the existence of material things. Nevertheless, he was indued with that Modesty, as no where to assume the authority of positively deciding, or ever to assert any thing for un∣deniable.

Altho' what he intended to offer, under the Name of Principles of Philosophy, was brought to that Conclusion, that one could not lawfully nor reasonably require more for the perfecting his design; yet did it give some cause to his Friends, to hope to see the Explication of all other things, which made people say, That his Physick was not compleat. He promised him∣self likewise to explain after the same manner, the nature of other more particular Bodies,

that belong to the Terrestrial Globe; as, Mi∣nerals, Plants, Animals, and Man in particu∣lar; After which, he proposed to himself (according as God should please to lengthen out his days) to treat with the same exactness of all Physick or Medicine, of Mechanicks, and of the whole Doctrine of Morality or Ethicks; whereby to present the World with an entire Body of Philosophy.

He dedicated his Book of Principles to his most Illustrious Disciple,* 1.2 the Princess Palatiné Elizabeth, Eldest Daughter to that Unfortunate Prince Frederick V. Elector Palatine, chosen King of Bohemia. The Princess had been Educated in the Knowledge of abundance of Languages, and in whatsoever Learning is comprised under the name of Litterae huma∣niores, or Politiores; but the elevation of, and profoundness of her genius and natural parts, would not suffer her to dwell long upon these Arts, by which the greatest Wits of her Sex, who are satisfied with desiring to seem some∣body, are commonly limited. She desir'd to proceed to those parts of Learning, that the strongest Application of Men had advanced, and accomplish'd her self with, and became a great proficient in Philosophy and Mathematicks; till such time as seeing the Essays of Monsieur Des Cartes his Philosophy, she conceived such high esteem and affection for his Doctrine, that she look'd upon all she had learn'd till that time as good as nothing; and so put her self under his Tuition for to raise a new Structure upon his Principles.

Thereupon she sends to him, to come and see her, that she might drink in the true Phi∣••osophy at the Fountain Head; and the great desire to do her Service nearer, was one of the reasons that drew him to Leiden & to Ein∣degeest. Never did Master more happily im∣prove the docibility, aptness, penetration, and withal the solidity of a Scholar's Mind. Ha∣ving accustomed her insensibly to the profound Meditation of the grand Mysteries of Nature, and sufficiently exercising of her in the most abstracted Questions of Geometry, and the most sublime ones of Metaphysicks. There was no longer any thing abstruse or mysterious to her; and he ingeniously confesseth and own∣eth, that he had not yet met with any besides her (he excepted Regius in another place) that ever arrived at a perfect understanding of the Works he had published till that time. By this Testimony that he bore to the extraordi∣nary Capacity of the Princess, he intended to distinguish her from those who were not able to apprehend his Metaphysicks, altho' they might have some insight into Geometry; and from those that were not able to understand his Geometry, altho' they might be pretty well vers'd in Metaphysical Truths.

She continued to Philosophise with him Viva voce, till a certain Accident obliged her to absent herself from the Presence of the Queen of Bohemia her Mother, and to quit her abode in Holland for Germany; then she chan∣ged her Acquaintance into an Intelligence by Letter, which she kept afoot with him,

by the Ministery of the Princesses her Si∣sters.

III. According to the measures M. Des Cartes had taken upon his return from Poictoù,* 1.3 to reach Holland before the Frost, he reduc'd himself to the necessity of staying no longer than Ten or Twelve days in Paris. They were all taken up in continual Visits that he was fain to pay his Friends he had never seen since the Siege of Rochelle, and to those his reputation had acquired him in his ab∣sence.

His greatest care was, to be sure to visit the Jesuites of the Colledge of Clermont, where was performed the last Ceremonies of his re∣conciliation to Father Bourdin, his old Adver∣sary; who, that, his friendship might be active, and not consist in a parcel of words, offer'd to be his Correspondent for the Letters he should send to the Fathers of the Company in any Province of the Realm, and into Italy, and also for those that he was to receive from them.

He visited also, besides the Duke de Luines, and Monsieur Clerselier who translated his Me∣ditations, Monsieur Chanut, whose desert had reach'd his Ear, by the Commendations of Father Mersennus. This Friend was pleased to introduce him into the Chancellor's Com∣pany, who received him with all Testimonies of respect, that one could possibly expect from a Magistrate who favoured Men of Parts and Learning, that loved the Sciences, and was already advantagiously prepossessed with a

good opinion of our Philosopher, by the read∣••ng of his Essays of Philosophy.

He entertain'd likewise frequent Conferen∣ces with Sir Kenelm Digby, an English Catho∣••ick, then in Paris, and reckoned in the num∣ber of one of his chief Friends for many years together; but altho' he confin'd himself to see those Friends, he had never seen, the num∣ber of them was too great, and the term he had prescrib'd for his abode too short, to give them all the Satisfaction he could have wish'd. Yet he thought himself obliged not to pass by Monsieur Robervall unsaluted; he desired to assure him how much he valued him, offered him his friendship afresh, and declar•••• to him Viva voce, that all the Impression of their petty Paper-scuffles were perf••••••ly razed out of his Spirit. Monsieur Robervall strain'd hard to An∣swer the honour Monsieur Des Cartes did him; and he protested freely how much he was dis∣posed to pay what he ought to his Worth, and to his Quality; but the small Coherence Monsieur Des Cartes observed in his Discour∣ses, gave him quickly to understand the truth of that Idea he had conceived of his Interiours: it was no hard matter to judge that the amity of this Geometrician was a benefit that would soon perish. Nevertheless, he did him the justice to believe that there was less malice and affectation, than nature and disposition in his unpolite, rough-hewn, disobliging Be∣haviour; and he received his friendship how∣ever, the best that he could give, without ta∣king his Bond to warrant it, either more solid, or durable than it was.

Leaving what Copies of his Principles he had to Abbot Picot's disposal, at whose House he lodged, who had already translated the better part into the French Tongue, he de∣parted for Holland about the end of October. And Father Mersennus, that had nothing le•••• at this departure that could retain him in Pa∣ris, took a Journey into Italy, which he was obliged to do for the matter of Eight or Nine Months.

IV & V. The News of Monsieur Des Cartes his return,* 1.4 dissipated the trouble he had put his Friends in Holland to, about some suspi∣cions they had that he should be retain'd in France. Upon his Arrival about the 15th of March, he went directly from Amsterdam into North-Hollan•• to his retiring place at Egmond de Bearnen, with a resolution to shut himself up more closely than ever in his old beloved Solitude, and at a distance from the importunities of his Neighbours, and visits of Friends, having resolved wholly to apply him∣self to the knowledge of Animals, Plants, and Minerals.

That he might procure himself the ease and quietness necessary to his Studies, he presently had thoughts of putting an end to that process or suit that he had depending at Groninguen against Schoockius, Professor and Rector of the University; which was partly the cause of that which Voetius had commen∣ced against him at Ʋtrecht. The face of this Ʋtrecht affair changed to his honour at last; altho' by the ill-will of the Judges Voetius

••ad bribed, he got but little advantage by it. But it was enough for him that their irregu∣••ar Proceedings contrary to the Course of Law, turn'd to their confusion; the great noise ••heir Injustice made, stood the Judges of Gro∣••inguen in no small stead, for the regulating ••heir Proceeding in the Judgment they were ••o pass between the Professor and Monsieur Des Cartes.

The Business was depending in the Senate ••r Counsel of the University, which is the ••ight Court of Judicature where Schoockius his Causes were to be tried: and the Action a∣gainst him was, to make a publick amends ••nd reparation for the Calumnies, and Slanders, ••hereof the Latine Book was full, intituled, Philosophia Cartesiana, or, Admiranda Methodus, which was composed and published by Voetius, ••n Schoockius his Name, who declared himself Author of the same; and consequently to be ••esponsible for it. Upon a Letter Monsieur Des Cartes writ about it the 7th of February, to Tobias Andraeus one of the Professors of the U∣niversity, and one of the Judges that sit upon the Cause; Schoockius was warn'd into Court; upon his appearance, without holding it ne∣cessary to hear the Cause, they gave Sentence in favour of Monsieur Des Cartes the 10th of April, 1645. yea, and they dealt very favou∣rably with Schoockius (because he was Col∣league to the Judges) being content only, that he should acknowledge and confess his Errors, and that he had been but only the Instrument and Broaker of Voetius his Calumnies and Ex∣cesses.

The surprizal that his Cause came to an•• Hearing in his absence, even before he had produced his Writings, made Monsieur Des Cartes look upon this quick expedition, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pure effect of the Evidence that his Cause was good. The Judges of Groninguen sending him a Copy of the Judgment, together with all the Acts that served to the prosecuting the Cause, he judged it convenient to dispatch them to the Magistrates of Ʋtrecht, with five Letters of Voetius their Minister, written to Father Mersennus, on purpose that they might open their Eyes, and behold the Impostures and Malignity of this Hypocrite; But instead of repairing the loss, and making amends for what was past, their confusion turn'd into their being asham'd at it; which produced nothing but an Act to Prohibit the Impression and dis∣persing whatsoever was for, or against Mon∣sieur Des Cartes.

Notwithstanding this Order, Voetius taking on like a Madman for what had past at Gronin∣guen, did nevertheless Print a Letter in Schooc∣kius his Name against the Author's consent, who disowned it: and his Son falls foul upon the Judges of Groninguen, by a most insolent Libel, intituled, Tribunal Iniquum: it was but requisite Monsieur Des Cartes should take upon him to defend these Gentlemen and their Judgment.

Nevertheless, Voetius the Father, and Dema∣tius his Colleague, branded in the Sentence as Forgers and Slanderers, did complot and con∣trive an expedient how to punish Schoockius

his Ingratitude, who had been Scholar and Confident to Voetius. They termed the Obli∣gation that lay upon him to prefer Truth to Falshood, before the Tribunal of his Judges, ingratitude. But because he was no longer under the lash; they entered an Action of Scandal against him, as tho' he had done wrong. Nevertheless, the threatnings Schooc∣kius thunder'd out against Voetius, that he would discover all his Roguery in Court, caused the latter to surcease his Process just when it was upon the point of being try'd at Ʋtrecht, and they never really pardoned one another after.

The disposition of Monsieur Des Cartes in respect of them was quite otherwise. The Storm once blown over; he scrupled not to discover his heart: and had the generosity to facilitate their reconciliation, and freely ten∣der'd them his friendship; but Voetius seem'd not to be sensible of all these Courtesies.

He boasted that he had reserved another Action still against him, that he could make use of when occasion served. This put Mon∣sieur Des Cartes upon drawing up an Apologe∣tical Manifesto for the Magistrates of Utrecht, to the intent he might once for all bury all the whole Affair in Oblivion. He made for them an Historical and rational Compendium of what past in their City from the Year 1639▪ touching his Philosophy and Person: He laid before them the justice of the Cause, and the injustice of his Enemies to prevail with them at last to do him right, for the wrong they

had done to his reputation, out of the favour they bore to Voetius.

However the reading of his Principles pro∣duced good or bad effects in mens Minds, ac∣cording as they found themselves inclined an•• disposed in respect of the Author of them•• Accordingly Monsieur Des Cartes could hope for nothing but what was favourable to hi•• from Rivet, who called himself his Friend, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and an Admirer of his Doctrine too, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 might imitate several Cartesians with wh•••• he was to live. Yet not so well understand∣ing it, he thought he put an acceptable Com∣plement upon M. Gassendus, in propounding to him to make the same Reflections upon his Principles, as he had done upon his Medita∣tions.

M. Gassendus excused himself thereupon, first of all, upon pretence that he would rub up an old Sore; and then, upon pretence that he undervalued his Principles, & was pleased to let, fly some injurious Expressions against him for to discharge his Mind. The Jesuites carriage was quite contrary to his, in the Judgment they past upon his last Work. He received ex∣ceeding advantagious Testimonies thereof from the Heads of their Body, even to the making him believe that the Society would take his part.

The Progress of his Philosophy was no less in Holland than in Paris:* 1.5 In the Month of February, M. Hoogheland sent his three diffe∣rent Positions lately defended at Leiden, con∣taining nothing but his Opinions. They were

pretty fortunately introduc'd into this Uni∣versity by the Industry of Adrian Heereboord, Professor of Philosophy, and Sub-principal of the Theological Colledge, by leave of Hey∣danus Minister and famous Preacher, of Golius Schoolen, and of some other Professors, who were themselves become strenuous maintainers of this new Philosophy. Heereboord's Zeal in ••is first Lessons was not perhaps heated to that ••egree as was that of Regius at Ʋtrecht, yet it ••eemed to be more circumspect, cautious, and ••etter regulated. So was it also of a longer continuance, and an answerable success.

It had been very well for Monsieur Des Cartes,* 1.6 Regius had followed the same course, ••r that he had persevered at least in the same first tractableness and docibility in respect of Monsieur Des Cartes: since he hath ventured ••o dogmatize upon his own head concerning ••he Union of the Humane Soul with the Bo∣••y and upon some other nice Points, he put Monsieur Des Cartes to a great deal of trouble, who by his particular Exhortations, Corre∣••tions of his Theses's and other Works, en∣••eavoured to keep his Spirit within due ••ounds. Regius, since that, fell away strangely ••nd insensibly: and either because he had re∣••overed his first Genius, or that he searcht out ••ome middle way to get again into the favour ••f his Friends of Ʋtrecht; and by that means, ••ecure himself of the peaceable possession of ••is Professor's Chair; he drew up, during Monsieur Des Cartes his Travails certain Essays ••f a Philosophy of his own making, to which

he pretended to give the name of Fondemens de Physique, the Foundations of Physicks.

The Experience he had of Mons. Des Cartes his Kindnesses, made him believe this Work would have gone down with him. Just as he had composed it, he ••ends it him to peruse and examine, rather, not to give over his old Custom all on a sudden, than to make any ad∣vantage by his Mr's. reading of it. Monsieur Des Cartes was not so complaisant, as he flatter'd himself to find him; he observed in this last Writing of his, more License than he had ob∣served in all the rest; and instead of sending Regius the Corrections of the places that re∣quired them, as his constant practice was for∣merly, he writ to him and told him roundly, That he could not, nor would not afford a general Approbation to this Work. He ad∣ded withal, That if he doted so much upon his own private Sentiments, not to follow the advice he had given him to suppress or reform it, that then he should be obliged to disown it, and so undeceive the World, who thought all along that he entertained no other Senti∣ments but his.

Regius, who had already taken his part, and obstinately stood it out against all sorts of Re∣monstrances, did nevertheless thank Monsieur Des Cartes for his advice: but instead of follow∣ing it as formerly, he did what he could to excuse his Work, and to shew the neat Con∣trivance and Excellency of it to his Master; as if these particulars had escaped his Refle∣ctions. He commended to him more especi∣ally

his Method of Analysis, and that curious ••way of his to define and divide. But to avoid the inconveniencies Monsieur Des Cartes had given him notice of, he sent him this Model of an Advertisement to the Reader, with which he intended to conclude the Preface of ••is Book. For to undeceive those who might be ••pt to imagine that the things contained in this Work might be the meer Sentiments of Monsieur Des Cartes, I am willing to give notice to the World; that there are, indeed, several Passages, wherein I do, ex professo, adhere to the Dictates of that excellent Person; but that there are others ••lso, wherein I am of a quite contrary Opinion; ••nd some others again, upon which he hath not ••hought good to explain his meaning. That he might endeavour to prevent the publick dissa∣••isfaction and disowning of it, wherewith he ••hought himself threatned by Monsieur Des Cartes: He offer'd him to add moreover in his Preface whatsoever he should judge con∣venient; because he apprehended this disown∣••ng, as a Confutation of his Work, capable of ••tifling or decrying it, at its very birth; but, at the bottom, he talked not a word of altering or mending it.

Monsieur Des Cartes sent him word that he mightily approved of his manner of treating of Physicks by way of Definitions and Divi∣sions, provided he would adjoyn thereto the necessary proofs: But let him understand withal, that he did not appear to him suffi∣ciently vers'd in Metaphysicks nor in Divinity, to undertake to publish any thing about them:

And, that if he were fully bent upon the Publication of of his Foundations or Grounds of Physick, he should do well, at least to re∣••rench what related to the Soul of Man and Divinity, and not to falsifie any thing he bor∣rowed from him: In a word, that he should do him a kindness not to make him a parta∣ker in his mistakes and extravagant notions in Metaphysicks, nor in his Visions in Natural Philosophy and Medicine.

This last Letter caused Regius to pluck off his Mask: and being resolved to Sacrifice his Master's Honour to his own; he quite and clean renounced his Discipline by a Declara∣tion written 23d of July 1645. after such an hectoring huffing manner; that, what they tell us of Aristotle's ingratitude to Plato, and of Maximus the Cynick's insolence to Gregory Nazianzen is not incredible; Regius went far beyond them by this insult, and lost by his Schism that Glory which involved him in such Dangers and Persecutions that had like to have made him the Proto-martyr of the Car∣tesian Sect. Nay, and he joyn'd Injustice and Unfaithfulness to his Revolt, for retaining the best part of his Master's Doctrine, thereby to get the same Honour as he did before, he disfigured and spoil'd it, as he pleased. And under pretence that Monsieur Des Cartes refu∣sed so long as he lived, to acknowledge it to be his, because of that forreign outside: He seized upon it after his Death; suppressing even his Name so unworthily and basely, that men look upon him as much to be the first

Plagiary of his Doctrine, as the first Schisma∣tick of his Sect.

Monsieur Des Cartes answer'd all the affronts and outrages of Regius; with so much wisdom and sweetness, that might have been capable to have made an Apology for him if he had needed one; and he would not make an end of keeping a Correspondence with this ingrate∣ful Wretch, until he had given the most wholsome advice that one could possibly expect from a good Master and true-hearted Friend.

VII.* 1.7 The most odious part of the Robbery which denominated Regius Plagiary of Mon∣sieur Des Cartes, consisted in certain Memoirs that he had composed ever since the Edition of his Principles, with a design to make a Trea∣••ise of Animals: the Copy which Regius, by what ••unning took, I know not, was very deficient: ••nd out of a piece of indiscretion that helpt to ••etray him, he had almost inserted it all into ••is Book of the Grounds of Physicks, or Natu∣••al Philosophy; without being able to under∣stand the meaning, as well because the Fi∣gures were wanting, as because what Mon∣sieur Des Cartes had done, was not quite fi∣••ished.

In effect, what Regius intended to produce, was nothing else but a very imperfect rough∣••raught of that which Monsieur Des Cartes ••esign'd to perform upon this Subject. After ••he winning of his Cause at Groninguen, the de∣••ire of putting his grand design in execution, made him set about Anatomical Operations

with fresh Application. At this time of be∣ing thus busied, he was visited by a Gentle∣man, who desired to see his Library; he shewed him nothing but a Calf, which he was going to dissect.

From the Knowledge of Beasts,* 1.8 he pro∣ceeded to that of the Humane Body by the help of his Experiments, and begun in the Autumn of this Year 1645. his single Trea∣tise de l'homme, of Man: And also that De la formation du foetus; altho' he had not finish'd his piece of Animals.

He gave a little diversion to this Study,* 1.9 by reason of his being ingaged with the most eminent Mathematicians in Europe to make one, in that famous difference that arose this same Year, between Longomontanus and Pellius touching the Quadrature of the Circle. He had been a long time convinc'd that it was impossible; and after he had tried it by means of his Method and Analysis, he would have nothing more to do with this Operation, as a thing impracticable and of no use.

At the beginning of October,* 1.10 he sallies out of his solitude to go imbrace his Friend, who pass'd by Amsterdam for Swedeland, in quality of Resident of France. There he got Ac∣quaintance with Monsieur Porlier, who be∣long'd to M. Chanut's Company; who, during the Four days he sojourned at Amsterdam, took singular delight to hear the recital of divers particulars, fit to destroy the Slanders of our Philosopher's Enemies.

Monsieur Des Cartes returned very much satisfied the Tenth of the Month to Egmond, where he pass'd the Winter being very severe that Year; then he composed two little Works to pass away the time; because the Plants in his Garden were not yet in a Condition to supply with Experiments necessary for the Continuation of his Physicks.

The first of these Works was the Answer,* 1.11 he at first refused to the Book of Monsieur Gassendus his instances, translated by M. Clen∣sellier into French, with softer Expressions in behalf of the last, whom he desired to bring to an Agreement with our Philosopher; the other was a small Treatise of the Nature of the Passions of the Soul. His design was not to make a thing that was in all Points so com∣pleat as to deserve to see light, but only to exercise himself upon Morality for his own Edification, and to try if his Physicks or Na∣tural Philosophy might be as serviceable to him as he hoped, for the establishing of sure and certain Foundations in Morality.

VIII.* 1.12 In this interim, Mons. Roberval for∣getting by little and little the resolution he had taken up to live in good intelligence with Monsieur Des Cartes, after the honour he had received from one of his Visits in Paris, re∣turn'd insensibly to his restless Genius. He spoke, hit he, miss he; of what he knew, and what he knew not, with very little precaution. Monsieur Des Cartes had notice of it by some who peradventure represented Monsieur Ro∣berval more in the fault than he really was,

without ever considering that there was more of weakness than malice in his behaviour and deportment.

He had advice at the beginning of 1646. of two main Points, concerning which, M. Rober∣val boasted he could baffle, and run him down. The first, was concerning the Question of Pappus; of which he proposed no new diffi∣culty at that time. The other was about Vi∣brations; that is as much as to say, what big∣ness every body of what figure soever, must have, being suspended in the Air by its extre∣mities, to make its turns and returns equal to those of a Plummet hanged at a thread of a length given.

The Question of Vibrations was propounded to him by Father Mersennus, which he an∣swered the 21st of February, and the 2d of March; and after that by M. Cavendish then at Paris. He sent the Solution of this Question to that Noble Person the 30th of March: whereupon Monsieur de Roberval made some Observations, which M. Cavendish did not fail to dispatch to Monsieur Des Cartes. He received an Answer to them some time after. Now Monsieur Des Cartes seeing that M. Ro∣berval relied chiefly upon his Experiments, he sends Father Mersennus word that he durst not presume of himself to undertake at first dash, to give a sufficient Reason, for all that one might have experimented. But, that he believed all the Cunning in examining Experiments, consisted in choosing such that depend least upon divers Causes, and such

whose true Reasons might be the most easily discovered.

Monsieur Des Cartes could have heartily wisht to see a timely end of this Dispute, which he perceived degenerate at last into unprofita∣ble needless Questions: But M. Roberval was pleased to prolong them beyond the Years end. This Conduct of his, together with his Fopperies about Pappus his Question, brought an old house upon his head, by the censure of his Aristarchus; that is to say, (a Book of his touching the System of the World) together with a Judgment upon the Intellect and Ca∣pacity of this Geometrician, which Monsieur Des Cartes sent to Father Mersennus.

Much what about the same time that he ex∣amined Seneca's Book,* 1.13 De vitâ Beatâ, of an Happy Life, in favour to the Princess Eli∣zabeth his Scholar, who had desired him to furnish her wherewithal to divert her, being out of favour at the Spa; where her Physitians had debarred her of all Study, and serious application of Mind: the judicious reflection the Princess made upon the said Work, en∣gaged him afterwards to handle divers of the most important Questions of Morality with her, touching Summum bonum, or Soveraign Good, the Liberty of Man, the State of the Soul, the use of Reason, the use of the Passions, of virtuous and vicious Actions, and touching the good and bad things of Life.

Nothing at that time interrupted the Joy he received from that happy Communication of Moral Philosophy with this Princess,* 1.14 except

Regius his Book, Intituled, The Grounds of Phi∣sicks; he believed he was obliged publickly to disown them for the Reasons we have men∣tioned. Therefore he inserted his disowning them utterly in the French Edition of his Prin∣ciples, which came out shortly after.

IX. At the very time that Regius broach'd his Schism against Monsieur Des Cartes, M. Hoogheland a Popish Gentleman, renowned for his Vertue and Charity,* 1.15 his Landlord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Leiden, and his Correspondent, gratified the Publick with tokens of his strict alliance with him; which he made appear by his publish∣ing a Book that he dedicated to him concern∣ing the Existence of God, the Spirituality of the Soul, and its Union with the Body; besides the oeconomy of the Body of the Animal me∣chanically explained.

The Civility and Courtesie of the Author in acknowledging how much he was behold∣ing to Monsieur Des Cartes, made him point-blank against Regius, which made him stand upon his Pantofles. My Friend, saith he, M. de Hoogheland, hath acted in Opposition against Re∣gius, in as much as he hath Writ nothing that he did not borrow from me, and upon that account contrary to me; whereas the other hath writ no∣thing which is properly mine, yet there is nothing against me; forasmuch as he hath followed the self∣same Principles.

But the World would not be put off with a Declaration they suspected to be made only the more generously to recompence the ho∣nour this Friend had done him the very

Front, and through the whole Body of his Book; nay, they were so far perswaded of the contrary in Rome, that upon the relation of the Business two or three Years after, by Father Magnanus to M. Carcavi, some were apt to take the Name of Hoogheland for a Stalking-Horse, by which Monsieur Des Cartes had a Mind to make surer of his Game, to publish a new Piece.

The Condition of other Friends with whom Monsieur Des Cartes kept Correspondence,* 1.16 especially at the Hague, was somewhat dis∣composed and put out of order at that jun∣cture of time, by the retirement of the Prin∣cess, his most Illustrious Scholar. Several of those who were Retainers to her, got out of the way of their own accord; very few of them were permitted to accompany or follow her in her Journey. Some again were re∣tain'd by their Settlement and Employment about the Prince and Princess of Orange. M. Becklin staid to wait upon the Princesses Sister to the Lady Elizabeth. M. de Pollot was preferr'd to a Chair of Philosophy and Mathe∣maticks at Breda, in the P. of Orange's New Colledge; as was M. John Pell, heretofore Professor at Amsterdam. M. Sampson Johnson that pass'd at Paris for Princess Elizabeths Tu∣tor, but, was only Chaplain to the Queen of Bohemia her Mother, was also admitted into the same Colledge to be Professor of Divinity. All these Professors who took a Pride to fol∣low the Cartesian Doctrine, made their Uni∣versity otherwise called Schola illustris, all over

Cartesian at its very birth, by the good likeing and favour of the Curators. Mons. Rivet Al∣moner, and Chaplain to the Prince, and Mons. Huyghens, second Son to Monsieur Zuitlichem, educated in the Principles of Monsieur Des Cartes.

Amongst those that continued at the Hague, there was none more considerable than Mons. de Brasset, a French Gentleman, his Corre∣spondent, and since that Resident of France to the States General with M. de Burggrave de de Dhona the younger, Governour of the City of Orange, who for all that persisted in the exercise of the Cartesian Philosophy with the absent Princess.

Besides so many subjects of satisfactions,* 1.17 Monsieur Des Cartes received also, all the year long, divers Complements from the Jesuits of France, and the Low-Countries. The business was so much the more delightful to him, be∣cause these Fathers seem'd to be the persons in the World, who should think themselves concern'd in the publication of a new Philo∣sophy; nay, and who, according to him, should have pardoned him the least, for so doing, if so be they had found any thing to blame in it. He was likewise much pleased to perceive some of those in Germany and Italy to be reco∣vered of their prejudice, and particularly Fa∣ther Athanasius Kercherus▪ who intreated him to grant him his friendship by the intercession of Father Mersennus. He was also inform'd by the reading of two Tracts of Physick, that Fa∣ther Stephen Noel, Rector of the Colledge of

Clermont in Paris, presented him with, That the Fathers of the company of Jesuits did not so much tie themselves up to Ancient Opinions, as not ••o dare to propose new ones likewise. Father Noel was so much his friend, that the next year he thought himself obliged to undertake his de∣fence against young Paschal, before ever he was quite brought over to the Cartesian Party.

Much about the same time he received the Philosophy of Father Fabri, the Jesuit Mathe∣matical Professor at Lyons; this Philosophy had much reputation to be a good one, not∣withstanding it was contrary to that of M. Des Cartes. Men past the like Judgment in a man∣ner upon another Piece of this Father's, that came to light that year, concerning Local Mo∣tion. Monsieur Des Cartes upon the receipt of these two Pieces had advice, that the same Author had some thoughts to Compose a Course of Philosophy to oppose his; that which moved him to the resolution of contradicting his Notions, was, in case he might be backt by his Society, and, that it should appear that the Jesuits would be pleased to adopt his Doctrine. But the Event let him understand that Father Fabri had not then got the approbation of his Society.

In September, that year M. Des Cartes lost a friend by the death of Father Niceron, a Mi∣nim; but he gain'd another in the person of M. Le Comte, Controuler General of the War, who was already friend to M. Clersellier, Cha∣nut and Porlier; he deserved his acquaintance by some Objections he started concerning his

Book of Principles, which Abbot Picot and his second self were pleased to Answer.

X. Scarce had Monsieur Des Cartes done with his new Friends M. le Comte and Mon∣sieur Porlier,* 1.18 but he was necessitated to An∣swer M. Chanut about one of the most material Questions in the World; and prepare to sa∣tisfie the Queen of Sweden's desire, suitable to the high opinion of him, wherewith this Resident had possess'd that Princess. The last Letter he writ from Stockholm concerning the rare Perfections of Christina; The dis∣course he held upon the same Subject with M. de la Thuillerie at his return from his Ambassy of Sweden, and the example of his illustrious Scho∣lar the Princess Elizabeth, suffer'd him no longer to question the possibility of all these wonders that Fame had published of that great Queen, not yet above 19 years of Age.

The gusto M. Chanut had already inspired into her for his Philosophy, made her demand his opinion concerning a Question of Morality, that was bandied about between her and this Resident in November 1646. The Question was, to know, when a Man makes a bad use of love or hatred, which of these two irregu∣larities, or bad uses is the worst: M. Chanut in beseeching Monsieur Des Cartes in the Queens behalf to send her his Sentiment upon the Question, sent him word, that the Queen and he were of two different opinions, without telling him which was the Princesses, which his.

Monsieur Des Cartes, that he might afford

Queen the Satisfaction she demanded, drew ••p presently (that is, at the beginning of the ••ear 1647.) a fine Dissertion upon Love; which we have in the first Volume of his Letters; in that Tract he discuss'd three things 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his usual Method; First, what Love is. Secondly, Whether or no pure Natural Light ••eaches us to love God. Thirdly, Which of ••he two Irregularities of Love or Hatred is the worst. This Piece was sent into Sweden in February, the reading of it made the Queen ••udge that whatsoever M. de Chanut had told her concerning Monsieur Des Cartes, came short of the real Truth. She seemed so a∣bundantly pleased with it, that she was never ••eary of commending the Author, and be∣gan to inquire into some particulars of his Person, Life and Conversation. Monsieur Des Cartes, (says she to M. Chanut) as far as I perceive by his writing, and by the Character you give me of him, is the most happy man alive, and his Condition seems to me to deserve envying: you will do me a Kindness to assure him of the great esteem I have for him. She consented to all that was contained in the writing, except one word, that shew'd, by the by, that Mon∣sieur Des Cartes was not of their opinion that hold the World to be finite; she signified her doubting whether or no one can admit the Hypothesis of an infinite World, without do∣ing Injury to Christian Religion. M Chanut was required to signifie so much to him, and demand his Explanation of this difficulty, to which he answered, that he did not hold the

World infinite but, indefinite; as much as to say, that he had no Reasons to prove it to b•• finite. And withal, he satisfied M. Chanut who had added another, of his own head touching the true Rule that we ought to fol∣low in dividing and sharing our Inclination•• concerning friendship in the exchange of mu∣tual offices of Benevolence, and in the distin∣guishing of esteem and respect from Affection.

XI. The pleasure Monsieur Des Cartes tasted in his Communication with the Queen of Sweden and M. Chanut about Moral Philosophy,* 1.19 was disturb'd at the beginning of this year 1647. by certain Leiden Divines, who did their utmost to put him to some trouble in their University. Revius, Principal of the Colledge of Divines suborned, (as is credibly given out) by the secret Artifice of Voetius, who could not endure that Cartesianism that he laboured to root out at Ʋtrecht, should get ground at Leiden; thought good to cause Four different Theses against Monsieur Des Cartes, to be dis∣puted on in January and February. Revius his intent was to pervert the sence of the Meta∣physical Meditations of our Philosopher. In which business he was seconded by Triglandius the Minister, Head-Professor of Divinity in the University. Their design was to have him condemned by their Classes and Consistory▪ as a blasphemer, an impious Person, and a Pelagian: Monsieur Des Cartes being acquain∣ted that these new Slanderers did not oppose any one of his true opinions, but only that they charged him with false ones, which had

never entered into his thoughts: writ to the Curators of the University, to demand Satis∣faction for the same. The Curators having ••ited the Rector and Professors to know what was the matter, issued out a Decree in all ••aste on the 20th of May, to forbid them to make any mention of Monsieur Des Cartes and ••is Opinions in their Lectures for the future. Whereupon they write to Monsieur Des Cartes, ••o give him notice,

That having satisfy'd him, to their Power in what he demanded of them, they hoped that on his part, he would likewise answer their Desires. That to this effect they intreated him, that he would forbear to debate any longer that question which he said had been opposed by the Professors of their University; to prevent the inconvenience that might ensue to both Parties.

Monsieur Des Cartes was very much dissatis∣••y'd with their Carriage towards him, and ••ound nothing commendable in it, but the ci∣••ility of terms. He wrote to them to let ••hem understand, how much he was astonish'd ••hat he was able to comprehend their mean∣••ng; or that he had not made his plain enough 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to make them understand what it was he ••esired of them. These Gentlemen were ••istaken to think that the Business was about 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Question that had ••een opposed by the two Divines, Revius and Triglandius. It was only ••bout giving him satisfaction for a Calumny whose dangerous Consequences were to be ••eared, because of the rank and credit of the Calumniators.

Monsieur Des Cartes seeing the niceness of the Curators, who were afraid to put a b••••t upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their University, and knowing besides that Revius and Trigland•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brought over to their side the 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Ministers, Divines and Professors, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 went to get him con∣demned 〈…〉〈…〉 their Consistories or Synods; thought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 best to make use of the Prince of 〈…〉〈…〉 Authority, as he had done in the business of 〈◊〉〈◊〉

To that purpose, he writes to M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Plenipotentiary for the Peace of Munst••••; who supply'd the place of an Ambassador for some time at the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The purport of this Let∣ter was, that the Divines might be made to hold their peace, and that the Faculty of Di∣vinity might be Judges in this case; yet they took 〈◊〉〈◊〉 care not to do any thing that mi••ht offend or discourage the Ministers and Pro∣fess••••rs in their Funetions and Zeal they shewed for the Service of their Religion.

Nevertheless, the Divines very sorry to siee Monsieur Des Cartes and his writings snatch'd out of their clutches, wreaked their Malice up∣on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their Colleagues whom they knew followers of his Philosophy. The Storm fell heaviest upon Professor Heerebord and du Ban. and also upon Heydanus the Minister, whom they accused to be a favourer of the Popish Religion, because he Preached like a Cartesian; But they durst not meddle with either Golius, or the two 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nor with young Dr. de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who professed Physick in private.

XII. These new Troubles were not capable to make him any longer put off his Journey into France,* 1.20 which de designed at the begin∣ning of them. He departed from the Hague the 7th of June, and got to Paris, with a reso∣lution to pass into Bretaign at the beginning of July, to regulate his Affairs that furnish'd him with a pretence for his Journey. But the French Edition of his Principles which was finished, in the hands of Abbot Picot the Tran∣slator, gave him an occasion to defer a little longer, as well to put a Preface before it, as to see a man who was to be his Companion in his Journey freed from this business; he see no body during this interval but Father Mer∣sennus, Monsieur Mydorge, who he was never to see more, as also M. Clersellier, who, after a tedious Sickness had some Months before that, procured the publishing the Meditations in French, translated by the D. de Lucines and himself.

When he had settled his Affairs in Bretaign and Poicton, he came back through Tourain, where M. de Crenan, a Gentleman of his Ac∣quaintance detain'd him for some time. At his return, he found a great deal of disorder in his Acquaintance. Father Mersennus sick, Monsieur Mydorge dead about a Fortnight be∣fore.

Yet he had some other Friends at Court who thought of him,* 1.21 tho' he never dreamt of them; they made their interest with Cardinal Richelieu, to procure him a Pension from the King; it was granted him in Consideration of

his great 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Profit and Advantage that his Philosophy and the Inquiries of his long Studies procured to Mankind; as also to help him to pursue his mode Experiments that required much expence, &c. He was surprized to see the Ex∣pedition of the Letters Patents, importing the Donation of a ••ension of 3000 Livres, Sealed March the 6th before he had so much as heard of the Proceedings his Friends had made to that 〈…〉〈…〉 and he found Marshal de 〈…〉〈…〉 then Governour of the Finances, who honoured him with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 particular Ac∣quaintance, a Person very punctual and careful to see it paid him.

The next day he thought upon his return into Holland,* 1.22 just as he met, near the Place Royal, M. Paschal the Son, who had a great desire to see him, from the time he knew him to be in France. Monsieur Des Cartes was much taken with his Discourse about the Ex∣periments he 〈…〉〈…〉 his Father's, in Rouen, of a Vacuum•••• matter of 15 Months before. He found these Experiments pretty conformable to the Principles of his Philosophy; notwith∣standing M. Paschal was still averse to it, by reason of the engagement & uniformity of his Sentiment with M. Roberval, and others, who hold a Vacuum; but yet that he might make some part of amends for his Conversation, he advised him to try other Experiments upon the Mass of Air to whose Gravitation he re∣ferr'd that which vulgar Philosophers vainly ascribe to the fuga v••cui. He assured him of the good success of his Experiments, altho'

he himself had not made them, because he discours'd of them, conformable to his Prin∣ciples. M. Paschal who was not yet perswa∣ded of solidity of his Principles, who also promised some Objections against his Materia subtilis, perhaps would have had no respect to his advice, if he had not been informed about the same time of such a like Notion, that Tor∣ricel••ius a Mathematician of Florence enter∣tain'd. The Experiments he made upon this advice, and which he also caused M. Perrier his Brother-in-Law to make in 1648. were very successful. But methinks, he looks upon himself beholding rather to Torricellius than Monsieur Des Cartes for them.

He departed as soon as ever he had received the Letters Parents for his Pension.* 1.23 He arri∣ved in Holland towards the end of September with Abbot Picot, who kept him Company in his beloved solitude till the middle of January of the ensuing year. They spent the three last months of the year in enjoying one another, in cultivating Philosophy in a profound tran∣quillity being chiefly busied in divers Experi∣ments of a Vacuum, which they found more and more agreeing with his Principles; im∣proving to their best advantage the mildness of the Winter, which was extraordinary that same year.

These Occupations were interrupted by a Letter of the 9th of November,* 1.24 that Monsieur Des Cartes received from M. Chanut, who be∣seeched him in the Queen of Swedens name, to explain to her his opinion concerning summum

bonum. He acquitted himself as well as he could reasoning upon matters of Faith; foras∣much as the Queen acquainted him that she only consider'd summum bonum in the sense of your ancient Philosophers. He accompanied his writing with some Letters which he had heretofore directed to the Princess Elizabeth, upon the same Subject, together with his Ma∣nuscript Treatise of Passions. The Queen was so well satisfied with them, that she was pleased to write to him with her own Hand to give him thanks, thinking at that very time to have him near her.

XIII. Towards the end of the year,* 1.25 there appear'd in Holland two Latine Pieces; as to which Monsieur Des Cartes was not likely to shew himself unconcern'd. Nevertheless, he thought to have slighted the first, as being directly against him, intituled, Consideration sur la Methode de la Philosophie Cartesienne, Consi∣deration upon the Method of the Cartesian Philosophy. I say, he thought to have slighted it, because the Author of it was Revius his Enemy, and because it was stufft with needles Ca••ils, and gross calumniating Abuses.

The other touched him more to the quick, altho' it did not meddle with him but indi∣rectly; The Author, was his old quondam Disciple Regius; the Title of it was, An Ex∣planation of Humane Spirit, or, of the Soul of Man. Monsieur Des Cartes took notice of several Opinions therein, which he judged false and pernicious: And because men were generally perswaded that Regius had still the same Senti∣ments

be inspir'd him with, he thought him∣self obliged to discover the Errors of this wri∣ting, for fear they might be imputed to him, by those, who not having read his Works, especially his Meditations, might accidentally fall a reading this writing; the Confutation of it, writ in Latin, was intituled, Remarks upon a contain Placart, &c. was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without his knowledge, Regius answered it, not that Des Cartes cared a straw for his Answer. But it was confuted afterwards by Tobie d' Andre.

He made no more account of two other Libels that appear'd against him about the same time: and his undervaluing of them was followed by that of the Publick, that suffer'd them to perish unregarded.

Scarce was the Winter over before he re∣ceived a kind of Order from Court,* 1.26 and that too, as if it had been in the King's Name, to com∣mand him to come back into France upon ad∣vantagious offers; they consisted in proposing the acceptance of a new Pension and a consi∣derable place, which was to procure him more honour than trouble; that so he might have leisure to continue his Studies, he shewed an extraordinary backwardnes•• to undertake this tedious Journey; for he suspected the success, by representing to himself the posture of the Affairs of the Kingdom. But receiving a brief of his new Pension, that an Officer at Court, a friend of his, sent him by M. Martigny; He was no longer in a condition to be at his own disposal.

He departed therefore in May: but scarce

was he arrived at Paris, but the state of Pub∣lick Affairs afforded him a fair Prospect of the incertainty of Humane things; and shewed his own easiness to let himself be overcome; trou∣bles unexpectedly coming on, were the cause why, instead of effects and performances that they had made him hope for, by their promi∣ses, he found that they had made one of his Relations pay for the Letters they sent him, and that he stood indebted to him for the Money they cost. So that, it was just as if he had come to Paris upon no other Errand but to buy a Scroll of Parchment; ay, and the dearest and most insignificant one, that ever came to his hands. That which he most took pet at, was, that none of those who were the occasion of his coming up to Court, did declare that they had any other business with him, but only to stare him in the face, as if he had been some Elephant or Leopard.

This so unexpected adventure, taught him never more to undertake a sleeveless Errand only upon bare Promises, tho' they may be writ upon Parchment. Nay, he would have scamper'd off immediately, and no body the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to return as he came, that his presence might not increase their Shame that sent for him. But his friends, after they had let him take his leave of the Court, detained him at Paris near three Months, and omitted nothing that he might make this time seem short and pleasant.

During this Interval,* 1.27 the Abbot d'E••r••••, since Bishop, Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, at present a Car∣dinal,

was pleased amicably to reconcile him to M. Gassendus. Which was done in the pre∣sence of several persons of worth and account, to the great satisfaction of these two Philoso∣phers, and their Friends.

XIV. That day they were reconciled was remarkable for Roberval's first undertaking to demonstrate the impossibility of Motion with∣out admitting a Vacuum.* 1.28 Monsieur Des Cartes, who was personally pointed at, by this pre∣tending Mathematician; found it no hard task immediately to Answer all his Objections: But he did it with all the respects due to the presence of the Abbot d'Etrees and his Com∣pany, without ever changing the face of so noble and peaceable Conversation.

M. Roberval's humour, which had always need of grains of allowance from those that had to deal with him, did by no means agree with that Phlegm, which usually accompanied the Discourses of Monsieur Des Cartes. So that he was not long before he grew hot: and upon all occasions during the remainder of his stay at Paris, Roberval made him sensible of the effects of this heat, and animosity that no Consideration was capable of extinguishing or abating.

The Persecutions of this man,* 1.29 who took a Pride not to be absent from any Assembly, where he knew the other would come, toge∣ther with his wrangling and twitting him with his taciturnity, did contribute as much as his publick Troubles, to the making him out of love with the City; he took occasion from its

being barac••doed, to make a shift to get out of it next day, through all the Confusion. He got safe into Holland on the 4th day of September: After some short stay at L••••de•• with M. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and at Amsterdam, he went on the 9th of the aforesaid Month to his dear Egmond, to sequester himself there, as i•• a Port, secure against all the Tempests, whose Preludes he had already seen in his Voyage.

XV. Scarce had he tasted the first fruits 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his repose,* 1.30 but he receives the News of the death of Father Mersennus, whom he left dan∣gerously sick at his departure from Paris. This was the ancientest of his friends and followers, who always stuck to him by a constancy and faithfulness that endured all Tests. Nothing could more sensibly affect him, than the loss of such a friend: yet to demonstrate that af∣fliction had not bereaved him of Judgment, he begg'd of Abbot Picot to know what was be∣come of all the Letters he sent to this Father for near upon 19 Months, because he was sure they were carefully preserved: He granted al∣so a Commission to try to get them out of the Minims hand, for several very weighty reasons. But his foresight being a little too ••ardy, proved useless and of none effect, through the negli∣gence of the Monks, who had lost a great com∣pany of them, and crafty diligence of M. Rober∣val, who had already got a good part of them into his Custody.

In the mean time,* 1.31 the Q. of Sweden disintan∣tangled from the Negotiations for the Peace of Europe concluded at Munster the 24th of

Octob. betook her self to the Study of the lit∣••••e Treatise of Monsieur Des Cartes's Passions, ••nd the good opinion of them, that was instill'd ••nto her, made her resolve to proceed to the Study of all his Philosophy. She forthwith ordered Freinshemius▪ her Liberary-Keeper, to Study his Principles, to the end he might pre∣pare the way for her, to come to the under∣standing of that Philosophy: the Resident of France Monsieur Chanut▪ had a Commission also to be assisting to him in this Work.

Monsieur Des Cartes was then much taken up in satisfying the first heats of a new Disci∣ple that his Philosophy had gain'd him in 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.32 this was Dr. Henry More, whose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Reverence for our Philosopher, had almost proceeded to Idolatry. Monsieur Des Cartes, without giving much heed to his elaborate En∣comiums, apply'd himself only to instruct him, and to remove his difficulties, according as he let him understand what they were. This correspondence continued till the death of M. Des Cartes, after which, More's Ardor for Cartesianism appear'd much abated, by reason of his being diverted by other urgent Occa∣sions: until one single Letter of M. Clersellier, revived it in him, in the year 1655. and made him give fresh proofs of his affection for his Doctrine.

XVI. The year 1649. supply'd the Princess Elizabeth with several considerable occasions to put his Moral Philosophy in Practice;* 1.33 and supply'd Monsieur Des Cartes, her dear Master, with occasions to comfort her, concerning the

Accidents of this Life, and Phantasticalness of this World's Catastrophes. These occa∣sions caused the Distemper the Princess had upon her. 1. The Regicide committed by the English on the person of her Uncle by her Mothers side. 2. The indifference and haugh∣tiness of the Q. of Sweden towards her. And then, the small Satisfaction her Brother the Elector Palatin had received by the Peace of Munster.

The Princess residing at that time at the Court in Berlin, had often entertain'd him with the mighty Satisfaction she should have to en∣joy his Company in the Palatinate, whether she made account to retire, after the reinsta∣••ing of her Brother: And he on his part assu∣red her of the delight he should have to go live near her, in a Country he had been ac∣quainted with ever since 1619. which he took for one of the finest and most commodious in Europe.

All places were indifferent to him at that time.* 1.34 Altho' he might think he was on the lap of repose in North-Holland, and tho' he might enjoy his thoughts in his Solitude at Egmond.

as peaceably and sweetly as ever he he did, yet he earnestly desired, that the Storms of France might shortly be calmed, that he might there settle himself.

But the Continuation of his Countrys Troubles, ac∣companied with the apprehension of never ta∣king another Journey, seem'd to incline him to resolve to pass the rest of his days in Holland; that is to say, in a place, that had not now the

••ame Charms it formerly had, to detain him; ••nd which did not seem commodious for him, ••ut only because he knew no other, where he ••ould be better.

When he argued the case thus;* 1.35 he was still ••gnorant of the Lot Providence had designed ••or him. But it was not long before it made ••im Conjecture that it disposed of him other∣••ise than he thought it would. In March he ••eceived some Letters from M. Chanut, by ••hich he was given to understand the desire ••he Q. of Sweden had to see him at Stockholm, ••o learn his Philosophy from his own Mouth▪ ••ust as he was devising Expressions how to ex∣••use himself from taking this Voyage, he re∣••eived a second, and then a third Letter very ••rgent in the Queens Name. Insomuch, that ••••augre all the Apprehensions and Difficulties, ••hat presented themselves, in a Voyage that ••e judged very dangerous to his health; he ••ignified to M. Chanut his inclination to obey ••he Queen towards Mid-summer, provided she ••ould please to give him leave to come back ••gain to Egmond within three Months, or to∣wards the latter end of Winter following at ••urthest.

The Queen presuming upon his good Inten∣••ions, even before M. Chanut had received ••is last Answer, gave order to Admiral Flem∣••ing to go take him on Board at Amsterdam, ••nd bring him thither before the end of April. The Admiral went as far as Egmond, ••ut by the Name of an ordinary Officer of ••he Swedish Fleet to offer him his Service,

and thereupon shews the Queens Order, ad∣ding withal, that he might consult his ow•• convenience and take his own time, that h•• would cause the Vessel to wait for him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long as he thought convenient.

Monsieur Des Cartes was surprized at thi•• Visit, and excused himself as civilly as possi∣bly he could, to this effect, that having w•••••• back to the Resident of France, he expecte•• an Answer of his Letter, that would explai•••• the Queens Will and Pleasure more precisely to him, and would determine his Resolution•• upon a Voyage. The Officer returning to Amsterdam without making himself known 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Monsieur•• Des Cartes received from Monsieur Chanut some Letters that had miscarried 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter of a Fortnight, that gave him notic•• that the Queen had given to Admiral Flemming all necessary Orders for his Transportation in∣to Sweden.

Upon reading of them, he perceived the mistake the stoppage of these Letters had made him commit, in taking one of the Ad∣mirals of the Kingdom for a private Officer▪ who had done him the honour to give him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Visit, and bring him the Queens Orders him∣self; fearing lest the refusal of his Service might not be misconstrued to the prejudice•• of his good Intentions, he forthwith got ready▪ his Bag and Baggage and little Equipage, that he might be no longer surprized, when he should receive orders to depart, in case he could not obtain three Months longer stay, as he had demanded.

A little time after Monsieur Chanut took his leave of the Queen of Sweden, to go to give an account of Residence to the Court of France. He arrived in April in Holland, where he was prevented by the King's Brevet, who made him his Ordinary Ambassador to ••he same Queen. He goes to find out his Friend in Hermitage of Egmond, and left him no more difficulties to be removed as to his Voyage. He left him, directing his Course for Paris, resolving to take him at his return, and carry him along with him to the Queen of Sweden, in case he could obtain a Dispensation from his new Ambassy, and Permission to bring his Family back into France, from the King ••his Master.

XVII.* 1.36 Towards the Month of March, came out the First Edition of Monsieur Des Cartes's Geometry in Latin, translated by Schooten, Ancient Mathematick Professor of the Uni∣versity of Leiden. He added a Commentary to it of his making, together with the excel∣lent Notes of Monsieur de Beaune; whereof we have already given you an account, who died some Months after this Edition.

Sch••oten, like all the rest of Monsieur Des Cartes his Translators, desir'd him to revise his Version, and render it in every respect conformable to his original Conceptions, as he had done other; but chose rather to let it pass untouch'd, than Correct it by halves. And to shew that he had no hand in the Work, he was pleased to call it, La Geometrie de M. Schoo∣ten, without so much as claiming the Ground∣work

of it. This unconcernedness was not approved of by those who could have wish'd it might have had the advantage of other Tran∣slations: yea, and M. Carcavi complained to him of it, as, in the Name of some Virtuoso's of Paris.

This man exercised on this occasion the Office of the late Father Mersennus,* 1.37 in whose place he got himself substituted by Monsieur Des Cartes, for the Correspondence touching Philosophical Transactions, and New Books. He began at telling the success of the Experi∣ment upon the Gravitation of Air, performed at Puy de Domme near Clermont in Auvergne, by M. Perrier and M. Pascall. He sent him like∣wise two small Books come from Rome, con∣cerning Physicks; according to the new O∣pinions. In one of the two, there was mention made of the Principles of Mon∣sieur Des Cartes, with abundance of esteem: but some were of opinion at Paris, that the Author did not well understand them; he ac∣quainted him moreover by the same means, that at Rome there was a French Minim called Father Magnan, more knowing and more profound than Father Mersennus, that put him in hopes of some Objections against his Prin∣ciples.

Monsieur Carcavi,* 1.38 that was all one with Monsieur Roberval, was not wanting in his care to send him divers of this Geometrician's Objections, using his endeavours withal, to bring him into a good conceit of him, pre∣tending that he was not out of his favour, but

only through Fath. Mersennus his Indiscretion: Monsieur Des Cartes, thought it stood him upon to vindicate the memory of this Father: but yet for all that he took it in good part from Carcavi, that he testified his love for Peace, and Uniting Affections. And he was willing upon his account, to answer the Objections of Monsieur Roberval, just as if they had been pro∣••ounded to him, by a Person that ••ore him no ill Will.

M. de Roberval who took always delight to be Objecting, and not to receive, or admit of Solutions; making as if he knew nothing of the Answers Monsieur Des Cartes had given to his Difficulties, was willing to make use of Monsieur Carcavi's Name, to Object them to him afresh; this counterfeiting did no ways please Monsieur Des Cartes, who made nothing of discerning Roberval's Spirit, under Mon∣sieur Carcavi's hand, therefore instead of wri∣••ing back to the latter, he addrest himself to Monsieur Clerselier, being still in Swedland, and ••ntreated him to signifie to Monsieur Carcavi, ••hat he was his humble Servant, and that he should not fail to Shape him an Answer, when∣soever he should Write him his own proper Thoughts.

XVIII.* 1.39 The Summer Season drew on, and Monsieur Des Cartes waited for the return of Monsieur Chanut, the French Ambassadour ••t the Court of Sweden, to make his Voyage ••n his Company. But understanding on one ••and that he could not depart from Paris be∣fore November, and then again, that the Queen

of Sweden daily expected him, he intended to prevent the first rigours of the Winter: only he long'd to understand beforehand, whe∣ther the envious persons, that his Philosophy had procured him, had not been too quick for him at the Court of Sweden, to endeavour, to render him some ill office or other, in pre∣possessing the Queen's mind. He was not ignorant of the aversion the Swedish Nobility, and the best part of the Officers of that Court, testified for all sort of Science. He knew likewise that the Queens passion for Learned Men, began to become the object of scorn, railery and obloquy of Strangers; it was in every bodies mouth that she assembled all the Pedants of Europe to Stockholm, and that it would not be long ere the government of the Realm would be managed by Grammarians. He was afraid to see himself counted as ones hail fellow well met with this sort of Cattel, where the Natives of the Country, do not care to distinguish Strangers. And then the business of the Catholick Religion, helpt to increase his Scruples. Now it was Freinsheinius his business, to whom he communicated secretly his Thoughts, to dissipate them, and once more to be very earnest with him in behalf of the Queen.

Altho' he began to appoint his return pre∣cisely in the Spring of the next year, yet he was seized with, I do not know what, appre∣hension, and foresight of his destiny, that sway'd with him, to set all matters to rights, as tho' he had been about to take a journey into the other World.

He for••ook his beloved solitude on the first day of September. And leaving his little trea∣tise of Passions in Elzivers hands, to be Print∣ed in Autumn, he embarqued at Amsterdam, having no more Domesticks, besides Scheuter a German, a faithful affectionate Servant that Abbot Picot had lent him for this Voyage.

He happily arrived at Stockholm at the be∣ginning of October, and went a shoar to Madam Chanut's, Sister to his Friend Monsieur Cler∣selier, where he presented to her some Letters from the Ambassador her Husband who ex∣pected him, and had provided him an apart∣ment ready furnisht: Which he must accept.

The next day he went to kiss the Queens hand,* 1.40 who received him with such a distincti∣on, as was observed by the whole Court, which perhaps did not a little contribute, to augment the jealousie of some of the Learned, to whom, his coming seem'd formidable. At the second visit he paid the Queen, she disclosed to him the design she had of getting him into Sweden for good and all, by a good settlement. But having prepar'd himself from the time he left Holland, against all sort of solicitations, he return'd that with a comple∣ment.

Afterward she contrived with him some means whereby to learn his Philosophy by word of Mouth: and judging aright that she should have occasion for all her Wits about her, and all her application to accomplish her design succesfully, she pitcht upon the first hour after her levé for this Study, as being the

most quiet and leisure time of all the day, when she perceived her Mind more sedate, and her head more disengaged from the in∣cumbrance of affairs. Monsieur Des Cartes re∣ceived with abundance of profound respect the Commission she granted him, to meet in the Closet of her Library every morning by five of the Clock, without ever alledging the irregularity she must needs cause in his man∣ner of living, nor the danger to which she should probably expose his health, in this new change of abode, yea and in a season too, that was much more severe in Sweden, than in any other place, he had ever lived in before.

The Queen in recompence, granted him the favour that he desired Freinsheinius to beg of her, which consisted, in dispensing with him as to the nice Ceremonies of the Court, and to free him from all confinement, or to speak in the Language of Philosophers, from all the miseries of Courtiers. Yet, before they begun their Morning Exercises, it was her will and pleasure that he should allow himself a month or six weeks to compose himself, to familiarize himself with the genius of the Country, to make his new acquaintance take deeper root, by which she was in hopes to make him de∣light in his new abode, and retain him by her the remainder of his Life. But having fa∣thomed the capacity of his Spirit, that extend∣ed it self to other things besides Philosophy, she did not demur long, before she appointed him to be one of her Privy Counsel: and the confidence she reposed in him, prevail'd on

her to regulate her own particular conduct and behaviour, and even divers points concerning the government of her State, according to his advices. He made good use of this new favour, not only to be serviceable to Count Bregy, and other worthy persons near her, but above all, to obliterate out of her mind, the reasons of strangeness, aversion, and coldness she seemed to entertain, for the family of the P. Palatine and also the reasons of the secret jealousie she had already conceived of the parts, learning and merit of the Princess Elizabeth in particular.

XIX.* 1.41 This credit joined to some applause that he gain'd at Court for a Copy of French Verses, the Queen had put him upon touching the peace of Munster, allarmed your Gramma∣••ians, and other pretenders to Learning in the Palace, notwithstanding all the precaution he used to prevent jealousie; they studied carefully to find out occasion of doing him a diskindness, and to abate the ardent affection she shewed to her Philosopher, they rung peals of the pre∣tended undervaluing of Tongues, and all Hu∣mane Learning, that they laid to his charge; at last dispairing of blasting his Reputation with the Queen, considering the great passion she declared for the knowledge of those Sciences, they thought they could be no bet∣ter revenged of him, than to make him pass for one, no better than themselves amongst the Lords of the Court, but especially a∣mongst publick Ministers. They laboured to perswade them, what a strange thing it was that this new come upstart, should have all

the honour of the Queens confidence, and how dangerous it might prove to let him inter∣meddle with any affairs, but such as related to Philosophy and Sciences, but they were not long at Court, before they made a diffe∣rence between Monsieur Des Cartes, and those that vainly profest to be knowing, who brought an Odium upon Sciences, to all the Nobility of the place.

However he had news from Elziver,* 1.42 that the Edition of his Treatise of the Passions of the Soul was quite finished. He presents it to the Queen, not so much as dreaming to dedi∣cate it to her, by reason that it was chiefly composed for his most illustrious Schollar the Princess Elizabeth, whom he would be sure not to forget. To the intent he might make this work intelligible to all manner of persons, he inlarged it by three parts upon Monsieur Clerselier's Advice. He divided it into three parts, in the first of which, is treated of the Passion in general, and by the way upon the nature of the Soul, &c. in the second, of the six primitive Passions; and in the third, of all the rest.

The sight of this Piece, made the Queen suppose there might be amongst Monsieur Des Cartes his Papers, many more Treatises that had not yet come to light. And having a strong desire to make him compile a com∣pleat body of all his Philosophy, which she liked more and more, she was pleas'd to en∣gage him to reduce the rest of his works, that he had not yet published, into a method, in

order to prevail with him at length to com∣pleat them.

Monsieur Des Cartes in obedience to the Queens command,* 1.43 began to rummish, and ransack his Trunk, where his Papers were, which he had bound up, hand over head, at his departure from Holland. He finds nothing compleat in them. They were all in pieces scattered up and down; of which they have compiled Treatises since, that have been pub∣lished. Amongst the most considerable of his fragments were,

That De Homine, which Monsieur Clerselier had caused to be Printed since, wherein the Author hath lay'd open all the functions that belong to the body alone, without medling with those that belong to the Soul.

That De Formatione Faetus: whose Title doth sufficiently declare the subject matter, which hath been published in the same volume with that De Homine, by the same Author, assisted by Monsieur de la Forge, a Physician of Saumur, and Gerard Gutichowen, Professor of Mathematicks at Louvain.

That De la lumier, or du monde, of light, or of the world, which is nothing else but a little extract, or parcel of his famous Treatise of the World, which he supprest upon the news of the disgrace of Gallilaeus; Monsieur Cler∣selier put it out pretty well corrected.

That De l'Explication de Engins, which was missing, went astray after his death, and which indeed, is nothing else in a manner, but his Treatise of Mechanicks.

But the most considerable of all his Posthu∣mous Works, is his inestimable Treasure of Letters, that were found in his Trunk, of which Monsieur Clerselier hath publisht a col∣lection in three volumes.

XX.* 1.44 These Posthumous pieces, which M. Clerselier, and the other Cartesians have obli∣ged the publick with, after the Death of their Author, were not the only ones, that were found upon the second rifling of his Papers. There was besides divers works begun in se∣veral parts of Mathematicks and Physicks, un∣der Titles that had no manner of relation to those subjects, as Parnassus, Olympica, Demo∣critica, Thacomantis Regia, &c.

His Treatise of Algebra••, still found in the Studies of some Learned men.

An Introduction, containing the grounds and foundations of his Algebra, which we are affraid is lost.

Divers fragments upon the Nature and History of Metals, Plants, and Animals.

An Abridgement of Pure Mathematicks not finished.

Divers bundles of free unbyas••ed thoughts upon the Soul, upon Nature, and framing of the Universe.

An Introduction to his Geometry, whereof we have had occasion to speak, which was not so much his work, as that of one of his friends.

Amongst those which Monsieur Chanut's care made to fall to Monsieur Clerseliers share, there is none of them more considerable, nor perhaps more compleat, than the Latin Trea∣tise,

that contains Rules for guiding our mind ••in the inquiry after Truth. At least we can assure you, that there is not one of them more beneficial to the publick. Of three parts, whereof it should have consisted, we have no∣thing but the first, and half of the second in∣tire.

Another Latin piece which he had carried on a good way, of which there remains a pretty large fragment, is that, of the study of good sense, or the art of apprehending, which ••he stiled studium bonae mentis. Which he di∣rected to one of his Friends, concealed under the name of Masaeus.

There was found likewise the beginning of another piece amongst his Papers in the Trunk in Sweden, it was writ in French Dialogue-wise, under the Title of recherche de la verite. The research of Truth by innate light, which in it self, without borrowing any helps from Re∣ligion, or Philosophy, determines the opinions, that an honest man should have of all things that imploys his thoughts. This work was divided into two Books, the first of which related to the things of the World, considered in them∣selves, the second, the same things in relation to us, considered as Good or Evil, True or False.

There goes also up and down the World, divers of Monsieur Des Cartes his little Manu∣scripts that were not found amongst his Papers, when he lookt them over; as, his little Trea∣tise of the Art of Fencing: That of Socrates his Genius, &c. for I do not mention the French

Comedy, which he had but just made in Sweden, which M. Chanut saved from perishing, con∣trary to his intent and purpose.

Nevertheless,* 1.45 the Q. of Sweden seeing the French Ambassador return'd to her Court, communicated to him the design she had en∣tertain'd of keeping Monsieur Des Cartes with∣in her Dominion: and obliged him to labour with her to obtain his Consent. Of all his Pretences, she would hearken to none, but that of the coldness of the Climat; because she believed that in effect his Temperament must needs suffer much in such a cold Coun∣try. The Expedient she proposed to the Am∣bassador was, to chuse him a noble and consi∣derable Charge in the most Southern Parts of the Crown of Sweden, acquired by the Peace of Munster, either in the Archbishoprick of Bremen, or in Pomerania, to appoint him a Re∣venue of a matter of 3000 Crowns per annum, and bestow on him a Lordship of some Lands, that it might pass by Succession to him, his Heirs and Executors for ever.

The Indisposition of the Ambassador whom the Queen had charged to put the business in execution, conjoyntly with a Senator of the Kingdom, put a stop to it; which proved very hurtful, not to Monsieur Des Cartes, for whom God had designed something else; but to his Heirs, who failed of being Lords in Germany.

The Ambassador fell Sick on the 18th of January, at his return from a walk with Monsieur Des Cartes; and what diligence so∣ever he used to solicit his Friend, Night and

Day, yet for all that, he fail'd not to be at the Palace at Five a Clock in the Morning to dis∣course with the Queen, without complaining of the severity of the Season, which was more than ordinary that year, and which daily im∣paired his health.

The Queen who dream't of nothing less than to incommode him,* 1.46 obliged him at the the very height of the Ambassador's Sickness to return after Dinner to the Palace, to con∣sult with her concerning a Conference or As∣sembly of Learned Men, that she had thoughts of founding in form of an Academy, of which she was to be Chief and Protectrice. She would have him to draw up the Model or Design of it, and Compose Statutes. He brought it her accordingly the First of February, which was the last time he had the honour to see her Majesty. The Queen mightily approved eve∣ry Article, but was somewhat surprized at the second and third, that excluded Strangers. She questioned whether it might not be a piece of Monsieur Des Cartes his Modesty, who shut the Gate of this Academy against himself▪ whom she designed to have appointed Director.

XXI.* 1.47 This very day coming from Court, he perceived himself,* 1.48 seized with an Illness that was to put an end to his days, and the Ambassador began to recover. The next day being Candlemass-Day, our Philosopher with other Catholicks, approached the Sacraments of Pennance and Eucharist, which he received from the hands of Father Viogué, an Augustin

Friar, Missionary and Almoner to the Am∣bassador; he was able to finish the Ceremonies of the rest of the Day, standing up.

The Symptomes of his Malady, were the very same that preceded the Ambassador's, and were followed by a continued Feaver, ac∣companied with an Inflammation of his Lungs, just as the Ambassador was taken. The dis∣order of this regular was of living, added to the dividing of his Care between the Queen and the Sick Ambassador, in a Season that was an Enemy to his Constitution, and more rigid than it had been for Threescore Years, by the report of ancient People, caused his Feaver to be more Malignant than the Am∣bassador's was. It was within him the first days, it possess'd his Brain so far, as to make him Rave; took away the liberty of knowing what Condition he was in▪ or hear the advice of his Friends; and deprived him of all strength but only to resist every bodies will. The Queens Chief Physician Monsieur du Ryer, by Nation a Frenchman, and a particular Friend of his was unfortunately absent at that time: and that Princess order'd the next in course to take care of him; he was an Hol∣lander, called Weulles, one of M. Des Cartes sworn Enemies, ever since the Ministers and Divines of Leiden and Ʋtrecht bid him defy∣ance. The sick Person upon sight of this Do∣ctor, and others that the Queen sent with him, was so obstinate as to do nothing that he or∣der'd him, but especially he would not hear of being let Blood, all the while the transport

of his Brain lasted; which occasioned terrible ••llarms to the Queen and Ambassador, who took great care to send a Gentleman twice a day to see how he did.

His Brain began to be discharged at the end of the 7th day, which made him a little more the Master of his Head, and faculties of his Reason; that was the first time he was sensible of his Feaver: He took notice of the Error he had hitherto laboured under, and now thought of nothing but to dye like a Chri∣stian Philosopher. He got himself let Blood twice together, and in a great quantity, but to no purpose, it was then too late. He pray'd them to send for Father Viogué his Confessor, who was about the exercise of his Mission some Leagues distant from Stockholm: and de∣sired those who were about him, not to dis∣course with him any longer, but about the Mercy of God, and of the Courage where∣with he was to suffer the Separation of his Soul. He remain'd quiet and still the two last days; and Departed peaceably in the Arms of the Ambassador and Father Viogué, the 11th of February, at Four a Clock in the Morning, Aged 53 Years, 10 Months, and 11 Days.

XXII.* 1.49 The Queen upon this News, soon discovered her Affliction by the true and abun∣dant Tears she shed for the loss of her Illustrious Master; this was the Title she was always pleased to honour him with, and distinguish him from other Learned Men about her. She immediately dispatcht a Gentleman of her Bed-Chamber to the Ambassador to assure

him of her Grief and Sorrow; and to declare to him, that she was willing to leave to Po∣sterity a Monument of the respect she bore to the Merit of the Deceased; and that she de∣sign'd him his Sepulchre in the most honora∣ble Place in the Kingdom, at the feet of the Kings her Predecessors with Magnificence an∣swerable, besides a rich Mausolaean of Marble that she resolved to have erected for him.

The Ambassador that had not yet been able to stir out of Doors since he fell Sick, went in the Afternoon to pay a Visit to the Queen: and obtained of her, (for good Reasons that he produced to her) that the Sepulchre should be after a very plain manner at the deceased his own proper Cost and Charges, in a place of the Foreigners Burial-place, where they laid Catholicks and Children that died before they came to the use of their Reason.

The next day the Corps was brought out to the place of Interrment without any great doings; yet all according to the Ceremonial of the Church of Rome, by the special Per∣mission of the Queen, and the Governor of Stockholm, the Body was carried by the Am∣bassador's eldest Son, Monsieur de Saint San∣doux, since Governor of Tournay; M. Picques Secretary to the Ambassy, at present Coun∣sellor in the Court of Aydes; and by M. Belen Secretary to the Ambassador, who is now Treasurer of France.

The day following, the Ambassador accom∣panied with the first Gentleman of the Queens Bed-Chamber Erric Spatacre, Baron of Crone∣berg,

took an Inventory of what Monsieur Des Cartes brought with him into Sweden, and on March the Fourth following, M. de Hooghe∣land took one of the things he had left in Holland, in the presence of Monsieur Van Su∣reck, Seigneur de Berg, Creditor to the de∣ceased.

The Ambassador, whom the Queen had given to understand that she persisted in her resolution to rear him a Marble Monument, judged that before-hand, it would be much better to erect a plain Tomb over the Grave of the deceased. He caused it to be made an Oblong Square of Free-stone cemented, the four Sides were wainscotted outward with planed Boards; These four Sides were covered with a course white Linnen waxed, painted: and they caused to be writ upon it by the Painter, the Curious Latine Inscriptions that the Ambassador composed in Honour of his Friend.

Not many Months after, they caused a Me∣dal to be Coined in Holland to the memory of our great Philosopher, the reverse contains Magnificent Elogiums.

XXIII.* 1.50 After the Conversion of the Queen of Sweden, wholly due to Monsieur Des Cartes and Monsieur Chanut, which was manifest some years after, by her renouncing Lutheranism, there remains no more for us to observe con∣cerning that Philosopher, saving only the tran∣slating of his Ashes and Bones from Sweden into France, Seventeen years after his Death.

It was M. d'Alibert, Treasurer General of

France, who was the Chief Man in this Enter∣prize, and who was at the sole Charge and Expence. He employ'd to this purpose M. le Chevalier de Terlon, French Ambassador in Swe∣den, who was shortly to depart from thence for Denmark in the same Quality.

The Ambassador caused the Body to be ta∣ken up in presence of M. Pompone, who was come to Stockholm to succeed him, at present a Minister of State. He caused it first of all to be carried to Copenhaguen, from whence he sent it into France, in Custody of true and faithful persons, the Second day of October 1666. arriving at Paris in January the year after; it was carried to Monsieur d' Alibert•••• House in the Rue de Beautreillis: and some days after, it was deposited without Ceremony in a Chappel in St. Paul's Church. From thence it was transported in a pompous manner, the 24th of June, upon Midsummer, or St. John's Day, at Eight a Clock at Night into the Church of St. Genevieve du mont; where it was received by the Abbot and Cannons Regular, with most splendid Preparations.

The day following, being Saturday, they perform'd solemn Service; where the Abbot, Father Blanchard, General of the Congrega∣tion officiated in his Pontificalibus. There were a great many Persons present qualified accordingly; Father l' Allemans, Chancellor of the University▪ had prepared a Funeral Ora∣tion: But there chanced to come an Order from Court, that it should not be pronounced.

They set the Herse in a Vault between two Chappels on the South-side of the Nef, or Body of the Church; where Monsieur d' Alibert hath caused to be put up a fair Marble against the Wall, representing the Philosopher's Bust, with a very pretty Epitaph, composed of two Inscriptions; one whereof is French Verse, Composed by M. de Fiewbet Counsellor of State, heretofore Chancellor to the Queen: the other which is in Latine, comes from M. Clerselier, notwithstanding some would still to this day have Father Allemant to be the Author of it.

After the Service for Saturday, the 25th of June, was done, they carried the Titles, the Verbal Process, and Certificates, which were drawn up in good Form, into the Archives of the Abby of St. Genevieue. Then M. d' Alibert Conducted all the Principal Assistants to the famous Bocquet's House, where he treated them with a most sumptuous and magnifi∣cent Banquet.

Notes

• * 1.1

  An Edition of his Prin∣ciples of philosophy.
• * 1.2

  Elizabeth Princess Palatine of the Rhine, one of his Disciples.
• * 1.3

  His abode in Paris, where he sees his Friends.
• * 1.4

  He retires to Egmond.
• * 1.5

  Hereeboord teacheth Cartesia∣nism at Lei∣den.
• * 1.6

  The Schism and Ingratitude of Regius.
• * 1.7

  The Trea∣tise of Ani∣mals stoln by Regius.
• * 1.8

  His Studies and Treaty of Anato∣my.
• * 1.9

  Questions about the Quadra∣ture of the Circle.
• * 1.10

  He sees M. Chanut and M. Por∣lier at Am∣sterdam.
• * 1.11

  He an∣swers M. Gassendus his instan∣ces.
• * 1.12

  His dispute with M. Ro∣berval about Vibrations.
• * 1.13

  A Com∣merce of Moral Phi∣losophy with the Princess Eli∣zabeth.
• * 1.14

  He disowns Regius and his Book.
• * 1.15

  A Cohe∣rence be∣tween Mr. Hoogheland and M. Des Cartes.
• * 1.16

  The disper∣sing of his Friends at the Hague, and retire∣ment of the Princess.
• * 1.17

  The condi∣tion of his friends a∣mongst the Jesuits and elsewhere.
• * 1.18

  He answers the Q. of Sweden and M. Chanut touching some Que∣stions in Morality.
• * 1.19

  The trou∣ble Regius and Trig∣landius put him to in Leiden.
• * 1.20

  His second Voyage in∣to France.
• * 1.21

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.22

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.23

  His return to Holland.
• * 1.24

  He sends his opinion of summum bonum and Treatise of the Passions, to the Q of Sw••den.
• * 1.25

  Writings of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Regius.
• * 1.26

  A third Voyage in∣to France not succes••ful.
• * 1.27

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.28

  Roberval's wrangling.
• * 1.29

  His return into Hol∣land.
• * 1.30

  Death 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fath. M••∣sennus.
• * 1.31

  The Q of Sweden turns Car∣tesian.
• * 1.32

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cartesian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then his Adver∣sary.
• * 1.33

  His affe∣ction for the princess Elizabeth.
• * 1.34

  His fickle∣ness as to the place of his abode.
• * 1.35

  The Q. of Sweden would draw him to Stock∣holm.
• * 1.36

  A Latin E∣dition of his Geo∣metry.
• * 1.37

  M. Carcavi M. Des Car∣tes his Cor∣respon∣dent.
• * 1.38

  Lets M. Ro∣berval go∣vern him.
• * 1.39

  Some trou∣ble about his Voyage into Swe∣den.
• * 1.40

  His recep∣tion in Swe∣den His meeting the Queen. In favour with her.
• * 1.41

  The jealou∣sie of the Queens Grammari∣ans.
• * 1.42

  His Trea∣tise of Pas∣sions.
• * 1.43

  His Posthu∣mous works.
• * 1.44

  His other Manu∣scripts.
• * 1.45

  The Queen hath a mind to settle him in Sweden.
• * 1.46

  The Pro∣ject of an Acadamy.
• * 1.47

  Mons. Des Cartes Sick∣ness.
• * 1.48

  His Death.
• * 1.49

  His Burial.
• * 1.50

  The tran∣slation of his Body into France.