From Natural History to the History of Nature: Readings from Buffon and His Critics - Paperback

by John Lyon (Editor), John Lyon (Translator), Phillip R. Sloan (Editor)

This collection of readings, published for the first time in any language, presents a selection of critical responses to the original publication of the Natural History by George Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1697-1788). Comments by Albrecht von Haller, Lamoignon de Malesherbes, Héault de Séchelles, and anonymous reviews from leading periodicals of the period are included. Substantial selections from the first volumes of the Natural History and important documents from Buffon's earlier works are also included. As much as possible, the authors have used entire selections, rather than brief excerpts.

Author Biography

John Lyon has taught in departments of history, great books, history and philosophy of science, humanities, liberal arts, language and literature, and education. He has served as educational consultant at two universities and held administrative posts in five. He has translated several works from French and published in the history and philosophy of science.

Phillip R. Sloan is professor emeritus in the Program of Liberal Studies and the History and Philosophy of Science Graduate Program at the University of Notre Dame.