Rohault’s Cartesian Physics

Abstract

In 1671, Jacques Rohault published his Traite de physique, a textbook on physics relying on his weekly conferences held in Paris. A good mathematician and at the same time a curious experimenter, Rohault was one of the main Cartesian figures of his time. Connected to Parisian philosophical circles, Rohault was deeply concerned with the reception of Descartes’ philosophical views. He was associated with Claude Clerselier and he encouraged Pierre-Sylvain Regis to spread Cartesianism in Toulouse. Performing experiments and using instruments in his observations, allowed for a very good reception of Rohault’s natural philosophy in the late seventeenth century. Thus, his textbook on physics was quickly translated and disseminated across Europe. Of a particular interest is the English version of this book, which was annotated by the celebrated Newtonian, Samuel Clarke. This chapter will provide a deep analysis of Rohault’s system of physics, with an emphasis on his experimental approach. Equally important, the Newtonian reception of Rohault’s treatise will be discussed in close connection to the structure of his philosophical system and the methodological novelties introduced by the French philosopher.