NAJWAŻNIEJSZA KSIĘGA – TOPOS KSIĘGI NATURY W CZASOPISMACH DRUGIEJ POŁOWY XVIII WIEKU
THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK – THE TOPOS OF “THE BOOK OF NATURE” IN THE MAGAZINES FROM THE 2ND HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to outline the picture of nature presented in periodicals, hidden in the topos of “the book of nature”, of symbolical and allegorical meaning. The study focuses on discourses by I. Krasicki, W. Mitzler de Kolof, J.E. Minasowicz, published in “Zabawy Przyjemne i Pożyteczne” (1770–1777), “Monitor” (1765–1785), “Magazyn Warszawski Pięknych Nauk, Kunsztów i Różnych Wiadomości Dawnych i Nowych” (1784–1785), “Nowe Wiadomości Ekonomiczne i Uczone” (1758–1767). The study of the topic of the selected periodicals typical of the 18th century was the outcome of the necessity to consider its role in the general interpretation of attitudes towards the world. Apparently, there is a high frequency of “the book” topos in Enlightenment writings. This topos, including various meanings, belonged to visualization broader than the Classicistic cannon. There was a strong necessity to reveal the rules controlling nature and to learn the mechanism by which it functioned. The topic originated from scientism, rational approach to reality as well as from theological belief in God’s signs either hidden or revealed in the shape of universe. The book of nature described universal principles nature, subordinating also the human being. The approach became popular among physiocrats, advocating “the only constant rules written in nature”. Periodicals from the epoch, once classified as a source of information about state reforms, political programmes introduced at the time, social changes, defined as “didactic”, “of manners”, include a surprising apotheosis of nature, delivering its varied and rich picture.

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