The purpose of the Discours or Dissertatio of Descartes (1596-1660) is to find the simple point which gives order and system to the universe and thought. Three points are made: A. the truth of thought, when thought is true to itself; B. the elevation of its partial state in finite consciousness to its full state in the infinite existence of God; C. and the reduction of the material universe to extension and local movement. From these central propositions in logic, metaphysics, and physics came the subsequent inquiries of Locke, Leibniz, and Newton. This great work also contains scientific material on his invention of analytical geometry and treatises on optics and meteors. This first edition by the Elzivir Press appeared during Descarte's life, seven years after publication under another imprint in Leiden.[PMM]

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