rain has wetted the kite and twine, so that it can conduct the
electric fire freely, you will find it stream out plentifully from
the key on the approach of your knuckle. At this key the vial may be
charged; and from electric fire thus obtained spirits may be
kindled, and all the other electric experiments be performed which
are usually done by the help of a rubbed glass globe or tube, and
thereby the sameness of the electric matter with that of lightning
completely demonstrated.

"B. FRANKLIN."

VOLTAIRE DIRECTS EUROPEAN THOUGHT FROM GENEVA

A.D. 1755

JOHN MORLEY GEORGE W. KITCHIN

To set an exact date as marking the culmination of the vast
influence of Voltaire upon the world is not easy. He was the chief
leader, the most prominent and central figure, of that widespread
intellectual revolt which extended from France over Europe during
the middle of the eighteenth century. The spirit of doubt,
questioning all ancient institutions, challenging them to prove
their truth, arose everywhere, at times mocking, bitter, and
superficial, or again earnest, thoughtful, deep as the deepest
springs of human being. It has become almost a commonplace to say
that Voltaire and his chief successor, Rousseau, caused the French
Revolution.

Francois Marie Arouet, who himself assumed his literary name,
Voltaire, was born in 1694. He was recognized as among the foremost
writers of France at least as early as 1723, and Frederick the Great
of Prussia established a friendship with him which resulted in
Voltaire's living at the Prussian court as king's chamberlain for
nearly three years (1750-1753). It was largely due to Voltaire's
influence that the celebrated French _Encyclopaedia_, the first
volume of which appeared in 1751, took its tone of scepticism, of
cold, scientific criticism. It preached heresy and revolution. The
publication was repeatedly stopped by the government, but was
encouraged by Madame Pompadour and others, and finally finished in
1765.

Meanwhile Voltaire, who had been repeatedly exiled from the French
court for the daring of his writings, settled near Geneva in 1755
and resided there during his active and fiery old age. The beginning
of this residence has, therefore, been selected as marking the acme
of his power. From his mountain chateau his writings poured l