Diderot
DENIS (de-drō'), a French philosopher, foremost of the "Encyclopædists"; born in Langres, Oct. 5, 1713. "Philosophic Reflections" burned by the hangman and therefore widely circulated-and "A Skeptic's Walk" (1747), were part of a warfare against the church. In the compilation of the "Encyclopædia" Diderot bore the main burden. He wrote all the articles on technology and industries, on points of philosophy, and even on physics and chemistry. He wrote admirable reports (1765-1767) of the art expositions at the Paris Academy, and some plays. His novel, "The Nun," and his dramatic dialogue, "Rameau's Nephew," are wonderfully effective pictures of the corrupt society of the time. His little sketches "Little Papers" show kindly humor and wit. He died July 31, 1784. a