Letters on the English author of "Novum Organum" and father of experimental philosophy. Letter 13 is about John Locke and his theories on the immortality of the soul. Letter 14 compares British philosopher Isaac Newton to French philosopher René Descartes. Upon his death in 1727, Newton was compared to Descartes in a eulogy performed by French philosopher Fontenelle. While the British did not appreciate this comparison, Voltaire argues that Descartes, too, was a great philosopher and mathematician. Letter 15 focuses on Newton's law of universal gravitation. Letter 16 talks about Newton's work with optics. Letter 17 discusses Newton's work with geometry and his theories
Thomas Gordon (philosopher) Thomas Gordon (philosopher) Prof Thomas Gordon FRSE (1714-1797) was a philosopher, mathematician and antiquarian. He was Professor of Humanity at King’s College in Aberdeen. He was a co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783. He was the son of Prof George Gordon, Professor of Hebrew at King's College, Aberdeen. His grandfather, also George Gordon was Principal of the College in 1684. Thomas attended University of Aberdeen, graduating MA in 1731. He thereafter held various positions at the College from Regent to Professor of Greek and Philosophy. He was a member of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society from 1758 to