Abstract

This book is a reprint of Watson's earlier The Downfall of Cartesianism, with some minor changes and expansions, plus a reprint of several later articles. Some of the same material has been incorporated in the introductions that Watson has written for facsimile reprints of Foucher, Regis, and Le Grand. Thus, there is little that is new in the Breakdown. Since the publication of the Downfall, there have been a number of articles and books dealing with the figures and issues discussed by Watson. Very few of these later publications have been noticed in this reprint, nor do they inform Watson's discussion. A few of these more recent publications do appear on the expanded bibliography, but that seems more window-dressing than an indication of any serious attention being paid to them. A few examples will indicate the scope of this missed chance at updating the Downfall into the Breakdown.