Abstract

Descartes considered the methods of reasoning put forth in the Discourse to be correct because, among other justifications, he had examples of scientific theories in which the techniques were successful: the Optics, Meteorology, and Geometry. The chief value of this edition is to have the Discourse back in its proper setting, as well as the more obvious one of having available three works of importance in the history of the exact sciences in one compact and readable edition. The Optics is especially useful for the study of Descartes' theory of sight and perception. There are a large number of diagrams and figures which are quite helpful in making some rather schematic presentations more complete.—P. J. M.