FONTENELLE, M. [Bernard Le Bovier] de; A. B. [BOEKHOLT, A.] (trans.); RAY, John
Two books bound together. Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle (1657 1757) was noted for his accessible treatment of scientific topics during the unfolding of the Age of Enlightenment. Remarkably for his time, he died only one month before his 100th birthday. A noted gourmand, he attributed his longevity to eating strawberries. Book I in this volume is the second edition of the first Dutch translation of "Entretiens sur la pluralité des mondes." First edition was in 1702. The author engages in a philosophical discussion with laymen in this book about Copernican astronomy and Cartesian physics, with the aim of education readers about science. Includes fold-out engraving of the solar system and another one showing the surface of the moon. There are also two title poems by Joh. vanden Brouke and A. de Zoete. John Ray (1627 1705), author of the second book, was an English parson-naturalist who published several important works on botany, zoology, and natural theology. The John Ray Initiative, formed in 1997, takes its name from this theologian; the organization exists to promote a Christian understanding of environmental issues.
