The Philosophical Writings, Vol. I

Introduction.

Leibniz writes: "Moreover, I recently read the Universal Character original Latin: "Characterem Universalem" of the most learned Wilkins, through the kindness of Mr. William Curtius; the tables please me greatly; I wish he had presented those things which cannot be described except by picture—such as various types of animals, plants, and instruments—by adding illustrations. I wish there were someone who would translate it into Latin, although no one could do it more accurately than the Author, provided that illustrations of things not otherwise explainable and explanations of some of the more obscure words were added." The work by Wilkins mentioned here John Wilkins was one of the founders of the Royal Society in London. was published in London in 1668 in folio a large book format made by folding printed sheets only once; it bears the title: The Essay towards a Real Character and a Philosophical Language, with an alphabetical Dictionary. — Wilkins had already shown in an earlier writing, Mercury, or the secret and swift Messenger: showing how a Man may with Privacy and Speed communicate his Thoughts to a Friend at a Distance (London, 1641), how it might be possible to communicate one’s thoughts to a distant friend quickly and securely. In that work, he had investigated the question of whether characters could be established that would be readable for all nations and suitable for expressing all languages. To that end, he had established a methodical classification of concepts. What Wilkins had achieved in this field found a successor in George Dalgarno This is how the name is to be written; he calls himself in his writing: "I, George Dalgarno."; the publication of the treatise he authored: The Art of Signs, commonly called a universal character and philosophical language original Latin: "Ars Signorum, vulgo character universalis et lingua philosophica". By which men of the most diverse languages will be able, within the space of two weeks...

...assertion that Aristotle united in himself more knowledge than the Royal Society in London and the entire 17th century in its whole extent. Glanvill, as a philosopher, generally paid homage to Skepticism and especially combated Aristotelian and Cartesian dogmatism. — Another work by Glanvill, published previously in 1662, is titled: Oriental Light original Latin: "Lux orientalis", or an enquiry into the opinion of the eastern sages concerning the pre-existence of souls; being a key to unlock the grand mysteries of Providence, in relation to man’s sin and misery. It is possible that Leibniz was also acquainted with this work; the title of his draft, Aurora etc., points toward it.