Princess Elizabeth of Bohemia (1618–1680) was the grand-daughter of James VI of Scotland and I of England. She was one of a number of 17th-century princesses with an interest in philosophy, and she had a lengthy correspondence with Descartes. Descartes died in Sweden, while acting as tutor to Queen Christine (1626–1689). Elizabeth’s sister, Sophia (1630–1714) became Electress of Hanover, and through her the English succession passed to her son, George I. Sophia was as interested in Leibniz’s philosophy as Elizabeth was in Descartes’.

The extracts might have to be taken with a slight pinch of salt, since Descartes was leaning over backwards not to offend royalty. His position that mind/body interaction is impossible to comprehend intellectually is in striking contrast to his continuing attempts to explain it through the pineal gland. Nevertheless, there are other places, such as the Principles, where he seems to be putting forward much the same position.

The letters were written in French, and I have used Adam and Tannery Volume III for my translation. Page numbers in square brackets refer to this edition.

More extensive extracts in English translation are to be found in Anthony Kenny, Descartes, Philosophical Letters (Oxford, 1970).

Go to Index to Correspondence with Elizabeth