Réaumur: Universal Scholar Beyond the Enlightenment

Description

TORLAIS (Jean). Réaumur: ein enzyklopädischer Geist außerhalb der Enzyklopädie. Based on unpublished documents. Desclée De Brouwer, 1936, octavo, 447 pages, one portrait of Réaumur and 10 pages of engravings not included in text, references, index, broached (faded cover). René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur (1683–1757) is renowned as a biologist, entomologist, inventor, metallurgist, naturalist, and physicist. The most striking characteristic of Réaumur's work is its complete objectivity. The underlying investigative method differs substantially from that of modern researchers. This is an important study by Dr. Jean Torlais, a major historian of 18th-century science. This fine monograph rightly stands as the principal reference work on Réaumur and continues to be read and consulted with benefit by all interested in the science of the first half of the 18th century and the French scientific community of that era.