European History Unit 4 Literature

On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies by Copernicus

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.

New Astronomy by Kepler

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.

The Starry Messenger by Galileo

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.

Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems by Galileo

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.

Principia by Newton

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.

On the Fabric of the Human Body by Vesalius

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.

On The Motion of the Heart and Blood by Harvey

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.

Metamorphosis of the Insects of Surinam by Marian

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.

Letters on Turkey by Montague

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.

Discourse on Method by Descartes

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).

New Instrument by Francis Bacon

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.

Cook’s Travels by Captain Cook

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.

On the Different Races of Men by Kant

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.

Supplement to Bougainville’s Voyage by Diderot

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.

Encyclopedia by Diderot

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.

Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu

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.

Philosophical Letters on the English by Voltaire

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.

The Social Contract by Rousseau

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 Wealth of Nations by Smith

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.”

Vindication of the Rights of Women by Wollstonecraft

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.