chief works of the philosophers themselves and some of the treatises concerning them.  The principles which have guided us in these selections—­to include only the more valuable works and those best adapted for students’ reading, and further to refer as far as possible to the most recent works—­will hardly be in danger of criticism.  But we shall not dispute the probability that many a book worthy of mention may have been overlooked.

The explanation of a number of philosophical terms, which has been added as an appendix at the suggestion of the publishers, deals almost entirely with foreign expressions and gives the preference to the designations of fundamental movements.  It is arranged, as far as possible, so that it may be used as a subject-index.

JENA, December 23, 1885.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND GERMAN EDITION.

The majority of the alterations and additions in this new edition are in the first chapter and the last two; no departure from the general character of the exposition has seemed to me necessary.  I desire to return my sincere thanks for the suggestions which have come to me alike from public critiques and private communications.  In some cases contradictory requests have conflicted—­thus, on the one hand, I have been urged to expand, on the other, to cut down the sections on German idealism, especially those on Hegel—­and here I confess my inability to meet both demands.  Among the reviews, that by B. Erdmann in the first volume of the Archiv fuer Geschichte der Philosophie, and, among the suggestions made by letter, those of H. Heussler, have been of especial value.  Since others commonly see defects more clearly than one’s self, it will be very welcome if I can have my desire continually to make this History more useful supported by farther suggestions from the circle of its readers.  In case it continues to enjoy the favor of teachers and students, these will receive conscientious consideration.

For the sake of those who may complain of too much matter, I may remark that the difficulty can easily be avoided by passing over Chapters I., V.  (Sec.Sec. 1-3), VI., VIII., XII., XV., and XVI.

Professor A.C.  Armstrong, Jr., is preparing an English translation.  My earnest thanks are due to Mr. Karl Niemann of Charlottenburg for his kind participation in the labor of proof-reading.

R.F.

ERLANGEN, June 11, 1892.

* * * * *

%CONTENTS.%

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I.

THE PERIOD OF TRANSITION:  FROM NICOLAS OF CUSA TO DESCARTES

1.  Nicolas of Cusa 2.  The Revival of Ancient Philosophy and the Opposition to it 3.  The Italian Philosophy of Nature 4.  Philosophy of the State and of Law 5.  Skepticism in France 6.  German Mysticism 7.  The Foundation of Modern Physics 8.  Philosophy in England to the Middle of the Seventeenth Century
  (a) Bacon’s Predecessors
  (b) Bacon
  (c) Hobbes
  (d) Lord Herbert of Cherbury
9.  Preliminary Survey