What was the full title of the famous French encyclopedia published in the 18th century, and what is its common name?

The full title of the encyclopedia was Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, which translates from French to 'Encyclopedia, or a Systematic Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts and Crafts'. It is more commonly known simply as the Encyclopédie.

During what years was the Encyclopédie published in France, and who were its primary editors?

The Encyclopédie was published in France between 1751 and 1772. It was edited by Denis Diderot, with Jean le Rond d'Alembert serving as co-editor until 1759.

What was the primary goal of the Encyclopédie, according to Denis Diderot?

According to Denis Diderot, the primary aim of the Encyclopédie was to 'change the way people think' and to enable individuals to inform themselves. He hoped it would disseminate a vast amount of knowledge to both current and future generations, making it a significant example of the democratization of knowledge.

What made the Encyclopédie unique among encyclopedias of its time regarding its contributors and content?

The Encyclopédie was notable for being the first encyclopedia to include contributions from many named individuals, who were known as the Encyclopédistes. It also provided extensive detail on the mechanical arts, which was a significant departure from previous reference works.

How was the initial publication of the Encyclopédie structured in terms of volumes and content?

The first edition of the Encyclopédie consisted of seventeen folio volumes of text, which were accompanied by eleven volumes of engravings. Later editions were published in smaller formats and with fewer illustrations to reach a broader audience.

What was the original inspiration for the Encyclopédie?

The Encyclopédie was initially conceived as a French translation of Ephraim Chambers' English work, Cyclopaedia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, first published in 1728. Chambers' work itself followed a tradition of dictionaries of arts and sciences dating back to the late 17th century.

Who were the key figures involved in the early stages of the Encyclopédie's publication before Diderot and d'Alembert took over as editors?

The project initially involved a Parisian bookseller named André Le Breton who was interested in a translation of Chambers' Cyclopaedia. Early collaborators included John Mills and Gottfried Sellius, followed by Jean Paul de Gua de Malves as an editor. However, cooperation faltered, leading to Le Breton seeking new editors.

What was the initial reception of the Encyclopédie's prospectus in 1745?

The prospectus published in 1745 for the Encyclopédie was generally well-received, attracting subscribers and positive reviews in journals. For instance, the Jesuit-run Mémoires pour l'histoire des sciences et des beaux arts praised it, and the Mercure published a lengthy article highlighting the translator, John Mills.

What led to the conflict between André Le Breton and John Mills regarding the Encyclopédie project?

Cooperation between André Le Breton and John Mills broke down in 1745. Le Breton accused Mills of inadequate French language skills, and the dispute escalated into a physical confrontation where Le Breton assaulted Mills with a cane. The matter went to court, with the decision favoring Le Breton, after which Mills returned to England.

How many volumes did the main body of the Encyclopédie comprise, and what was its approximate page count?

The main body of the Encyclopédie consisted of 28 volumes in total. This included seventeen volumes of text, issued between 1751 and 1765, and eleven volumes of illustrations, completed by 1772. The work contained approximately 18,000 pages of text.

What controversies did the Encyclopédie face shortly after its publication began?

The Encyclopédie stirred controversy due to its sometimes radical content. After the publication of the second volume, it was briefly suspended by a royal edict in 1752, which accused the work of undermining royal authority, promoting independence and revolt, and contributing to error, moral corruption, irreligion, and atheism.

How did the French government attempt to halt the publication of the Encyclopédie, and how did the project continue?

In 1759, the Parlement of Paris initiated the suspension of the encyclopedia's privilege, leading the French government to ban it after the seventh volume's publication. However, the project continued in secret, supported by influential figures like Malesherbes and Madame de Pompadour, with French authorities deliberately overlooking its continuation to appease critics.

What strategy did the publishers and editors employ regarding the place of publication for later volumes of the Encyclopédie?

To circumvent French state interference, the publishers and editors altered the encyclopedia's imprint. While the first seven volumes listed Paris as the publication place, volumes 8 through 17, published in 1765, falsely claimed Neuchâtel (an independent principality outside French control) as the location, even though production likely continued in France.

Besides the original French edition, what other forms and editions of the Encyclopédie were published?

The Encyclopédie was also published in other formats and editions, including versions printed in the Italian cities of Lucca and Leghorn. Smaller quarto and octavo editions were produced to make the set more affordable, and the Yverdon Encyclopédie (1770-80) in Switzerland was heavily inspired by and borrowed from the original work.

Who acquired the rights to the Encyclopédie after its initial publication, and what did they add?

In 1775, Charles Joseph Panckoucke acquired the rights to the Encyclopédie. He subsequently published five volumes of supplementary material and a two-volume index between 1776 and 1780, expanding the original work.

Who were some of the prominent intellectuals, known as philosophes, who contributed to the Encyclopédie?

Many prominent philosophes contributed to the Encyclopédie, including Denis Diderot himself, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu. These intellectuals were key figures in the French Enlightenment.

Who was the most prolific contributor to the Encyclopédie, and what percentage of the work did they author?

The most prolific contributor was Louis de Jaucourt, who wrote an estimated 17,266 articles between 1759 and 1765. This represented about 25% of the entire Encyclopédie, making him an indispensable figure, especially after d'Alembert's departure.

How did the Encyclopédie systematically credit its contributors?

The Encyclopédie was the first encyclopedia to systematically credit its contributors by appending symbols, often called 'signatures,' at the end of articles. For example, an 'O' might indicate d'Alembert, and an 'L' might indicate Pierre Tarin. However, the number of anonymous articles increased over time, particularly after 1759.

Were contributors to the Encyclopédie compensated for their work?

Yes, many contributors were compensated. At least twenty-nine of the thirty-eight contributors identified by a symbol received payment from the publishers, which constituted a significant portion of their income. For instance, Diderot received about 2,800 livres annually for his editorial and writing work. However, some, like the wealthy nobleman Jaucourt, seem to have contributed their work for little or no pay.

On what basis were contributors generally recruited for the Encyclopédie?

Contributors were typically recruited based on their expertise in a specific field, which they were expected to write about. For example, Claude Bourgelat, an expert on horses, wrote on horsemanship and farriery, while Louis-Jean-Marie Daubenton, a naturalist, contributed articles on natural history.

What were the two most important sources used for compiling the Encyclopédie?

The two most significant sources used for compiling the Encyclopédie were Ephraim Chambers' English Cyclopaedia and France's Dictionnaire universal français-latin, commonly known as the Dictionnaire de Trévoux. Diderot later expressed regret over the extent of direct copying from the Cyclopaedia.

What was the purpose of the 'Figurative system of human knowledge' presented in the Encyclopédie's introduction?

The 'Figurative system of human knowledge,' presented in D'Alembert's 'Preliminary Discourse,' was intended to help users of the Encyclopédie understand how individual articles related to the entirety of human knowledge. This taxonomy, inspired by Francis Bacon, organized knowledge into three main branches: Memory (History), Reason (Philosophy), and Imagination (Poetry), emphasizing human reason as the measure of knowledge.

How did the Encyclopédie utilize cross-references, and what was their significance?

The Encyclopédie made extensive use of cross-references, a feature inherited from the Cyclopaedia, which served as a precursor to modern hyperlinks. These links aimed to connect related articles and counteract the fragmenting effect of alphabetical ordering, helping readers navigate the vast body of information.

What was the general scope of the Encyclopédie compared to modern encyclopedias?

The Encyclopédie had a narrower scope than 19th and 20th-century encyclopedias, particularly concerning history and popular culture. It primarily focused on being a dictionary of sciences, arts, and crafts, distinguishing itself from historical dictionaries by concentrating on rational systems of knowledge, though it did cover geography more extensively than its predecessors.

How did the Encyclopédie address the topic of political authority?

In articles like 'Political Authority,' Diderot and other contributors traced the origin of political authority back to the people, rather than to divinity or hereditary rulers. This reflected the Enlightenment ideal of the social contract, where governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

What was the Encyclopédie's stance on slavery?

The Encyclopédie presented an ambivalent view on slavery. While some articles discussed it factually or even defended it, Louis de Jaucourt wrote a strong attack on the institution in his article titled 'Slave Trade' ('Traite des nègres').

How did the Encyclopédie promote economic liberalism?

The Encyclopédie generally favored principles of economic liberalism, or laissez-faire. Articles on economics advocated for competition, criticized monopolies (including guilds), and some contributors even suggested privatizing education and opening up professions to a wider range of individuals.

What was the Encyclopédie's contribution to the understanding and documentation of technology?

The Encyclopédie served as a significant compendium of contemporary technology, particularly the mechanical arts. Although some information was gathered through interviews with artisans, much of the technical content was derived from expert sources and existing publications like the Descriptions des Arts et Métiers.

How influential was the Encyclopédie in terms of sales and reach?

By 1789, approximately 25,000 sets of the Encyclopédie had been sold across Europe. While not comprehensively translated, extracts and its overall prestige helped disseminate Enlightenment ideas widely, influencing intellectual discourse and subsequent encyclopedic works.

In what ways did the Encyclopédie pioneer practices in encyclopedia creation?

The Encyclopédie was groundbreaking as the first encyclopedia known to be written by numerous contributors, and it pioneered the practice of systematically attributing authorship to individual articles using symbols or signatures. This marked a shift towards recognizing individual expertise in compiling knowledge.

How did the Encyclopédie contribute to the intellectual climate leading up to the French Revolution?

The Encyclopédie helped disseminate Enlightenment ideals that questioned traditional authority and emphasized reason and individual rights. By promoting ideas of political authority derived from the people and advocating for natural rights, it helped shape the discourse that fueled the French Revolution and contributed to the creation of new societal values.

How has the Encyclopédie been compared to modern digital encyclopedias like Wikipedia?

The Encyclopédie has been compared to Wikipedia as a collaborative effort involving numerous writers and technicians. Both projects faced challenges related to utilizing the latest technology, deciding on content inclusion, establishing links between articles, and achieving maximum readership.

What were the approximate statistics regarding the size and content of the Encyclopédie?

The Encyclopédie comprised roughly 17 volumes of text and 11 volumes of illustrations, totaling about 18,000 pages. It contained an estimated 75,000 entries, including 44,000 main articles and 28,000 secondary articles, amounting to approximately 20 million words.

What did Dumarsais write about the philosophical spirit in the Encyclopédie?

In the article 'Philosophers,' Dumarsais described the philosophical spirit as being akin to grace for a Christian, guiding individuals through observation and accuracy. He stated that philosophers act based on reflection, distinguishing truth from plausibility, and walking with a torch through the night of ignorance.

What economic principle did Diderot discuss in the article 'Wealth'?

In the article 'Wealth,' Diderot suggested that if exclusive privileges were not granted and the financial system did not concentrate wealth, fortunes would be more evenly distributed. He argued that when the means of enrichment are shared among more citizens, extreme poverty and wealth would become rarer.

What was the 'Preliminary Discourse' in the Encyclopédie, and who authored it?

The 'Preliminary Discourse' was the introduction to the Encyclopédie, authored primarily by co-editor Jean le Rond d'Alembert. It is considered a significant exposition of Enlightenment ideals and presented a taxonomy of human knowledge, organizing it into Memory, Reason, and Imagination.

How did the Encyclopédie's structure attempt to organize knowledge beyond simple alphabetical listing?

Beyond alphabetical order, the Encyclopédie used a 'Figurative system of human knowledge' (a tree of knowledge) and rubrics within articles to indicate their place within the broader classification. It also heavily employed cross-references, which acted as early forms of hyperlinks to connect related concepts and articles.

What was the Encyclopédie's approach to religious content?

The Encyclopédie contained a range of religious perspectives. While some contributors wrote orthodox pieces, others challenged religious authority by grounding religion in reason and philosophy, questioning biblical events, or doubting miracles. Heterodox contributors often used anonymity or irony to express criticism.

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Origins

From Translation to Revolution

The Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, commonly known as the Encyclopédie, began as a French translation of Ephraim Chambers's English Cyclopaedia (1728). However, under the editorial leadership of Denis Diderot and, initially, Jean le Rond d'Alembert, it evolved into a far more ambitious project.

Editorial Vision

Diderot envisioned the Encyclopédie not merely as a compilation of existing knowledge but as a tool to "change the way people think" and to democratize knowledge. This ambitious goal aimed to empower individuals by providing them with access to a vast repository of information, challenging traditional authorities and fostering critical inquiry.

Collaborative Endeavor

The project faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and editorial disputes. Initially conceived by publisher André Le Breton, the editorial reins passed through several hands before Diderot and D'Alembert took charge. They assembled a diverse group of contributors, known as the Encyclopédistes, to create a comprehensive and authoritative work.

Publication Journey

The Monumental Work

The Encyclopédie comprised 28 volumes of text and 11 volumes of illustrations, featuring approximately 71,818 articles and 2,784 plates. The initial print run of 4,225 copies was substantial for the era, reflecting the project's significant investment and anticipated demand.

Controversy and Censorship

The Encyclopédie was a lightning rod for controversy due to its critical examination of religious and political institutions. It faced royal censors, temporary suspensions, and accusations of promoting irreligion and rebellion. To circumvent official interference, publishers resorted to manipulating publication details, such as listing Neuchâtel as the place of publication for later volumes.

Wider Dissemination

Beyond the initial French edition, the Encyclopédie inspired various other editions and translations across Europe. Smaller formats and revised editions were produced to make the work more accessible to a broader audience, extending its reach and influence throughout the continent.

The Encyclopédistes

A Collective of Minds

Over 140 individuals contributed to the Encyclopédie, representing a diverse array of intellectuals, scientists, artists, and artisans. Prominent figures of the French Enlightenment, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, lent their expertise, alongside Diderot himself.

Louis de Jaucourt

The most prolific contributor was Louis de Jaucourt, a nobleman and physician, who penned an estimated 17,266 articles—approximately 25% of the total content. His immense contribution, often written at a rapid pace, significantly shaped the Encyclopédie's breadth and depth.

Diverse Expertise

Contributors were selected for their specialized knowledge, covering fields from natural history and mathematics to mechanical arts and philosophy. While many were compensated, the group was not monolithic; they often pursued their own intellectual interests, leading to a rich, sometimes contradictory, tapestry of ideas within the work.

Content and Structure

Taxonomy of Knowledge

D'Alembert's "Preliminary Discourse" outlined a systematic classification of human knowledge, inspired by Francis Bacon. This structure, organized into Memory (History), Reason (Philosophy), and Imagination (Poetry), aimed to provide a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of disciplines, emphasizing human reason as the ultimate arbiter of knowledge.

The Power of Cross-References

The Encyclopédie extensively utilized cross-references, a precursor to modern hyperlinks, to connect related articles. While intended to enhance coherence, these references sometimes served subtle satirical purposes, critiquing established norms or authorities, though the extent of this practice remains debated among scholars.

The Encyclopédie covered a vast range of subjects, with a particular emphasis on the mechanical arts and sciences, reflecting the burgeoning industrial age. Articles varied greatly in length, from brief definitions to extensive treatises on topics like glassmaking, silk production, and political economy. The work also engaged with contemporary debates on religion, politics, and society, advocating for principles of reason, natural rights, and laissez-faire economics.

Philosophical Underpinnings

The Encyclopédie championed Enlightenment ideals, promoting human reason, secularism, and critical inquiry. It challenged divine right theories, advocated for social contracts, and explored concepts of natural rights. While some contributors maintained orthodox views, others subtly or overtly critiqued religious dogma and societal structures.

Enduring Influence

Shaping the Modern World

By 1789, approximately 25,000 sets of the Encyclopédie had been sold across Europe, significantly impacting intellectual discourse. It is credited with popularizing the term "encyclopedia" and establishing a new standard for comprehensive knowledge compilation.

Catalyst for Change

The Encyclopédie is widely regarded as a key factor in the intellectual climate that led to the French Revolution. By disseminating Enlightenment ideas about reason, liberty, and equality, it helped to galvanize demands for social and political reform, challenging the established order.

A Precursor to Wikipedia

Modern scholars draw parallels between the Encyclopédie and Wikipedia, noting their shared characteristics as collaborative, technology-driven projects aimed at organizing and disseminating knowledge to a broad audience. Both works represent significant milestones in the accessibility and evolution of information.

Key Statistics

Scale of the Project

The Encyclopédie was a massive undertaking, comprising:

Volumes: 28 (17 text, 11 plates)
Articles: Approximately 71,818
Illustrations: 2,784 plates
Pages: Roughly 18,000
Words: Estimated 20 million

Economic Impact

The project represented a significant financial investment and return for its publishers. The substantial print run and widespread sales generated considerable profits, underscoring the economic viability and demand for such ambitious intellectual endeavors in the 18th century.

Voices of the Enlightenment

Diderot on Reason

"Reason is to the philosopher what grace is to the Christian... Other men walk in darkness; the philosopher, who has the same passions, acts only after reflection; he walks through the night, but it is preceded by a torch. The philosopher forms his principles on an infinity of particular observations. He does not confuse truth with plausibility; he takes for truth what is true, for forgery what is false, for doubtful what is doubtful, and probable what is probable. The philosophical spirit is thus a spirit of observation and accuracy."

Diderot on Wealth Distribution

"If exclusive privileges were not granted, and if the financial system would not tend to concentrate wealth, there would be few great fortunes and no quick wealth. When the means of growing rich is divided between a greater number of citizens, wealth will also be more evenly distributed; extreme poverty and extreme wealth would be also rare."

Related Concepts

Democratization of Knowledge

The Encyclopédie stands as a prime historical example of the democratization of knowledge. By compiling and disseminating information widely, it aimed to empower the public, fostering a more informed citizenry and challenging the traditional monopolies on knowledge held by religious and political elites.

Further Exploration

Scholarly Resources

The Encyclopédie has been the subject of extensive scholarly research. Works by historians such as Robert Darnton, Raymond Birn, and Jeff Loveland offer deep insights into its publication history, editorial challenges, intellectual impact, and its role in the broader context of the Enlightenment.

External Resources

Digital Archives and Projects

The Encyclopédie is accessible through various digital initiatives. Projects like the University of Chicago's online version and the collaborative translation project offer valuable resources for in-depth study, providing access to digitized volumes and English translations of key articles.

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References

Encyclopaedia Britannica, eleventh edition, vol. 9 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1911), 376.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Encyclopédie Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical, philosophical, or academic consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for specific research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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The Enlightenment's Cornerstone

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins 🌱

📚 From Translation to Revolution

✍️ Editorial Vision

🤝 Collaborative Endeavor

Publication Journey 📖

📦 The Monumental Work

⚖️ Controversy and Censorship

🌍 Wider Dissemination

The Encyclopédistes 🧠

🧑‍🏫 A Collective of Minds

⭐ Louis de Jaucourt

💡 Diverse Expertise

Content and Structure 🏗️

🌳 Taxonomy of Knowledge

🔗 The Power of Cross-References

💡 Philosophical Underpinnings

Enduring Influence 🚀

🌐 Shaping the Modern World

🏛️ Catalyst for Change

💻 A Precursor to Wikipedia

Key Statistics 📊

🔢 Scale of the Project

💰 Economic Impact

Voices of the Enlightenment 💬

💡 Diderot on Reason

⚖️ Diderot on Wealth Distribution

Related Concepts 🔗

🌍 Democratization of Knowledge

Further Exploration 🔍

📖 Scholarly Resources

External Resources 🌐

🔗 Digital Archives and Projects

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins

From Translation to Revolution

Editorial Vision

Collaborative Endeavor

Publication Journey

The Monumental Work

Controversy and Censorship

Wider Dissemination

The Encyclopédistes

A Collective of Minds

Louis de Jaucourt

Diverse Expertise

Content and Structure

Taxonomy of Knowledge

The Power of Cross-References

Philosophical Underpinnings

Enduring Influence

Shaping the Modern World

Catalyst for Change

A Precursor to Wikipedia

Key Statistics

Scale of the Project

Economic Impact

Voices of the Enlightenment

Diderot on Reason

Diderot on Wealth Distribution

Related Concepts

Democratization of Knowledge

Further Exploration

Scholarly Resources

External Resources

Digital Archives and Projects

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice