Philosophy of Robert Boyle

Peter R.Anstey is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Philosophy at the University of Sydney. He has had a long-term interest in the natural philosophy of Robert Boyle and is co-editor of the Boyle newsletter

• Introduction; Part 1 The theory of qualities; Chapter 1 Distinctions among the qualities; Chapter 2 Distinguishing criteria for the primary qualities; Chapter 3 The perception of the sensible qualities; Chapter 4 The ontological status of the sensible qualities; Part 2 Matter in motion; Chapter 5 Natural and violent states and motions; Chapter 6 The nature of place; Chapter 7 Laws and concurrence; Chapter 8 Mind/body interaction;

'... Peter Anstey's rare combination of historical sensitivity with analytical sophistication should have a salutary effect on ongoing debates about Robert Boyle in a philosophical setting.' - Michael Hunter, Times Literary Supplement August 31st 2001'Anstey succeeds admirably in presenting Boyle's often scattered remarks and comments as a distinct and original voice in the early modern history of ideas. By his thoughtful discussion of the recent secondary literature, Anstey's own contribution can be easily discerned.' - Ernst Homburg, The Journal of the Society for the History of the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry'Peter Anstey's The Philosophy of Robert Boyle successfully fills a large hole in the existing literature. ... Anstey does very valuable work in analysing Boyle's metaphysical commitments.''I welcome a book on Robert Boyle's philosophy, because he was a considerable philosopher and made important contributions to the development of the experimental sciences ... ' - Peter Alexander, Locke Studies: An Annual Journal of Locke Research