European History Unit 4 Literature

Astronomical work that used mathematics to assert that the earth revolved around the sun, not the sun around the earth. It was the first modern argument for the heliocentric theory. It was published after the author’s death.

This astronomy text by a German mathematician used very complex

math equations to prove that heavenly objects revolve in elliptical

orbits. This made the heliocentric theory work.

This text is filled with the descriptions and drawings of the author’s

telescopic observations, such as the lunar surface, canals on Mars,

Jovian moons, and sunspots.

This scientific work offered a side-by-side comparison of both the

geocentric and heliocentric theories. From the weight of evidence, it

was clear that the heliocentric theory was more supported by evidence.

This is considered to be one of the most important scientific works ever

written. It explains many of his most important discoveries

including his Third Law of Motion, theory of gravity, and universal laws.

This anatomical work contained beautiful drawings of the human body,

most based on dissections. It was the first work of anatomy published

since antiquity. It was used as a medical school text for centuries.

This important medical text explained the circulatory system and how

blood moves in the body. It mapped the vein and artery system and

explained the role of the heart and lungs.

This work of entomology contains beautiful drawings and descriptions

of the insects of Surinam, a Dutch colony in South America. It was

written by a female entomologist.

Written by the wife of a British diplomat stationed in Constantinople,

the work is filled with her detailed observations of life in the Ottoman

capital. One of its most significant passages describes a crude form of

smallpox inoculation.

Important philosophical work in which the author argues that all

knowledge must begin with doubt. He believed that one should

approach every question with no preconceived notion of the answer

and with an open mind. Famous for the statement, “Cogito ergo sum.”

(I think, therefore I am).

Philosophic work that asserts that true knowledge must be based on

empirical evidence. He is considered the Father of the Scientific

Method, which is included in the work.

This biography was written by one of Britain’s greatest explorers and

describes many of the things he observed on his first of three lengthy

voyages across the Pacific. He landed in Australia, explored the coast

of North America as far as the Arctic, and discovered many Pacific

Islands. He had great respect for the native cultures he encountered.

He was a very respected Enlightenment philosopher, but one who

held extremely racist views of non-Europeans. He divided humanity

into four racial groups (white Europeans, yellow Asians, black Africans,

and red Americans) and argued Europeans were superior.

The author compared “civilized” European society to the supposedly

“uncivilized” society of Tahiti discovered by the French explorer,

Bougainville. He argues that the simple, more natural society found in

so-called primitive cultures was more truly free and just than Europe.

This epic project took over 20 years to complete and included 24

volumes. It was meant to be a compilation of all human knowledge

and focused heavily on philosophy and science.

Influential political work by a French philosophe in which he argued

that all governmental power should be divided (separation of power) to

prevent absolutism and tyranny. Very influential on the American

founding fathers.

Written while living in exile in England, it is a tribute to the freedoms of speech, press, and religion the author admired in England and argued that France lacked.

This was a revolutionary political work that argued that the people are

the source of all power (popular sovereignty) and that hereditary

monarchy is illegitimate. The author believed that all laws must reflect

the “general will” (the support of the people). It advocated democracy.

The most influential economics text ever written, the author argued in favor

of free trade and economic capitalism. He was an influential

physiocrat and opponent of mercantilism. He believed there are

natural laws in economics, such as “supply and demand.”

This was a powerful endorsement of the idea of equal rights for

women. The author argued that both men and women possess the

same power of reason and therefore each are equally capable if given

the same education.