5502. MONTESQUIEU (Baron), Author.—
The history of Montesquieu's “Spirit
of Laws” is well known. He had been a great
reader, and had commonplaced everything he
read. At length he wished to undertake some
work into which he could bring his whole commonplace
book in a digested form. He fixed
on the subject of his “Spirit of Laws”, and
wrote the book. He consulted his friend
Helvetius about publishing it, who strongly dissuaded
it. He published it, however, and the
world did not confirm Helvetius's opinion.—
To William Duane. Washington ed. v, 535.
(M.
1810)
