Rene Descartes was born in La Haye, known today as La Haye-Descartes in 1596. After studying classical literature, history, rhetoric, and philosophy at the college des Jesuites de la Fleche, he obtained his law degree from the University of Poitiers. In 1618, he enrolled in the Dutch army commanded by the prince Maurice of Nassau. Upon invitation by Queen Christina of Sweden, Descartes moved to Sweden in 1649 in order to tutor her in philosophy. Shortly thereafter he became ill with pneumonia and died in early 1650.

Introduction by: E. Nicole Meyer
Translated by: John Veitch