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Rare books

Introduction to M. Samuel Sorbière's letter to King Louis XIV

  • Part of A Voyage to England: Containing Many Things Relating to the State of Learning, Religion, and Other Curiosities of that Kingdom
  • 1709

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No Copyright Public Domain

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This page introduces a letter written to King Louis XIV (1638-1715), published in A Voyage to England: Containing Many Things Relating to the State of Learning, Religion, and Other Curiosities of that Kingdom. It was originally written by Monsieur Sorbière (1615-1670) on 12 December, 1663 in Paris. In this letter Sorbière shows his immense respect for the King and implores him to read his observations from his travels through England, with the hope that the King will support a French academy of Science.

This book is an English translation of the French original, written in 1664. Written after Monsieur Sorbière spent three months in 1663 in England, this book details his thoughts on several different topics. During his travels he had the opportunity to meet with many well-known scientists and physicians. The first section includes a memoir of his life, written by Mr. M. Graverol. The second section is that of Sorbière's observations on his travels through England. This section contains a plate of a mathematical representation of a "Model of a Floor." The third section is Thomas Sprat, the Royal Society's historian's, thoughts on Sorbière's observations, written to Dr. Wren, Professor of Astronomy at Oxford University. The final section is a letter from Monsieur Sorbière to Monsieur de Courcelles at Amsterdam regarding the Anglo-Dutch War of 1652-1654. The book also contains several one to two page sections of letters to the reader.

The original observations were adressed to King Louis XIV with an aim to influence him to support a French academy of science. It is an often critical account that gives a view into England's intellectual life at the time. Thomas Sprat's observations show his sensitivity to Sorbière's work and attacks the thoughts Sorbière presents. This edition notably contains a mistake in the printing: page 109 is printed as 190. The entire work has been digitized.

Property Value
Author
  • Sorbière, Samuel, 1615-1670
  • Graverol, M.
  • Sprat, Thomas, 1635- 1713
Printer
  • Woodard, J.
Place of publication
  • England--London
Format
  • Text
Genre
  • Rare books
Extent
  • 20 cm H
  • 190 pages
Language
  • English
Subject
  • Anglo-Dutch War (1652-1654)
  • Curiosities and wonders
  • England
  • England--London
  • Great Britain
  • Letter
  • Louis XIV, King of France, 1638-1715
  • Netherlands--Holland (Province)
  • Religion
  • Religion and science
  • Science--Study and teaching
  • Sorbière, Samuel, 1615-1670
  • Sprat, Thomas, 1635-1713
  • Travel
  • Travelers
  • Voyages and travels
Rights Public Domain Mark 1.0
Credit line
  • Courtesy of Science History Institute

Physical location

Department
  • Library
Collection
  • Roy G. Neville Historical Chemical Library
View in library catalog

Cite as

Sorbière, Samuel, M. Graverol, and Sprat, Thomas 1713. “Introduction to M. Samuel Sorbière's Letter to King Louis XIV.” In A Voyage to England: Containing Many Things Relating to the State of Learning, Religion, and Other Curiosities of That Kingdom. London, England: J. Woodard, 1709. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/g7ffkqf.

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Introduction to M. Samuel Sorbière's letter to King Louis XIV

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Rights

No Copyright Public Domain

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The Science History Institute recognizes there are materials in our collections that may be offensive or harmful, containing racist, sexist, Eurocentric, ableist, or homophobic language or depictions. The history of science is not exempt from beliefs or practices harmful to traditionally marginalized groups. The Institute is engaged in ongoing efforts to responsibly present and address the evidence of oppression and injustice inextricable from the history of science. If you would like to learn more about our ongoing efforts or if you encounter harmful, inaccurate, or insufficient descriptions, please contact us at digital@sciencehistory.org.

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