This is a selection of 12 original Latin texts by Leibniz on the metaphysics of the infinite, 10 of which are accurately transcribed and edited for the first time. Each paper is accompanied by a commentary explaining its significance for understanding Leibniz's thought, situating it in the context of other writings in the Leibnizian corpus.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Introduction
- 1. On the Infinite [1693?]
- [De infinito]
- Commentary
- 2. An Infinite Straight Line is not a Whole [after 1692]
- [Linea recta infinita]
- Commentary
- 3. Reflections on Froidmont's Labyrinthus [1693-5?]
- [Excerpta et Notae -Fromondus, Labyrinthus]
- Appendix 1: Extracts from Froidmont's Labyrinthus
- Commentary
- 4. Line and Time [1693-5?]
- [Linea et Tempus]
- Commentary
- 5. Is there a Midpoint in the Infinite? [1695?]
- [Quaeritur an in infinito detur Medium]
- Commentary
- 6. Every Thing Resists the Infinite [1695?]
- [Omnis res infinito resistit]
- Commentary
- 7. On the Incredible Subtlety of Things [1694-99]
- [De incredibili rerum subtilitate]
- Commentary
- 8. It is as if we are suspended between two infinities [1695-96?]
- [Inter duo infinita velut suspensi sumus]
- Commentary
- 9. Towards a Science of the Infinite [c. 1696?]
- [Ad Scientiam Infiniti]
- Commentary
- Appendix 2: Historical preface of De Scientia Infiniti. . . (?)
- 10. From Leibniz's Exchange with Gabriel Wagner [December 1697-March 1698]
- [Facing page dialogue]
- Commentary
- 11. From Leibniz's Correspondence with Johann Bernoulli [1698-99]
- [Consecutive letters]
- Commentary
- 12. Place and Time, Matter and Change [1705?]
- [Locus et tempus sunt continua. . .]
- Appendix 3: Excerpts from Leibniz's letters to De Volder and the Electress Sophie
- Commentary
- Appendix 4: Excerpt from "Even though nothing in nature happens by a leap. . ."