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In 1687 Englishman Isaac Newton published The Mathematical of Natural Philosophy, better known by its latin title of Principia Mathematica. Newton proved methematically that the planets and all other physical objects in the universe moved through mutual attraction or gravity (Craig, 682-683).
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The title of one of the earliest expositions of deism, Christianity Not Mysterious, by John Toland in 1696, indicates the general tenor of religious outlook (Craig, 687).
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In 1733 Voltaire published Letter's on the English, which appeared in French the next year. The book praised the virtues of the English and indirectly criticizes the abuses of French society (Craig, 686).
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Montesquieu's work the Spirit of the LAws, perhaps the single most influential book of the century, exhibits the internal tensions of the enlightenment (Craig, 692).
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Rousseau's The Social Contract is an abstract book. It does not propose specific reforms but outlines the kind of political structure that Rousseau believed would overcome the evils of contemporary politics and society (Craig, 694).
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In 1763 Voltaire published a Treatise on Tolerance and hounded the authorities for a new investigation. The case illustrated the fruits of religious fanaticism and the need for rational reform of judicial processes (Craig, 689).
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Adam Smith's emphasis in The Wealth on Nations on free labor and the efficiency of free markets undermined economic defenses of slavery (Craig, 736).
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The German playwright and critic Gotthold Lessing wrote Nathan the Wise as a plea for toleration not only of different Christian sects, but also of religious faiths other than Christianity (Craig, 689).
