Additional Notes. 451 



Wolfe, p. 17. 



Christian Wolfe, a native of Breslau, in Germany, 

 was born in the year 1 679. He was a follower of Leibnitz,, 

 and wrote largely in defence of his philosophical opinions. 

 At the age of 26 Wolfe had acquired so much reputation 

 7is to be appointed Professor of Mathematics in the University 

 of Halle, and soon afterwards Professor of Philosophy in ge- 

 neral in the same institution. His famous work, entitled, 

 Thoughts on God, the World, and the Human Soul, in which 

 his metaphysical doctrines are delivered, was published in 

 1719. Accused of heresy, on account of his holding the 

 doctrine of necessity, and some other obnoxious opinions, he 

 was banished from the Prussian dominions in 1723. For a 

 number of years after this event Germany was filled with dis- 

 putes concerning his opinions, and the treatment which he had 

 received; and the names of Woljians and A nti-Woljians were 

 every where heard. In 1732, the current of public opinion 

 turning in his favour, he was recalled from his exile, and ap- 

 pointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Halle. In 1745 

 he was raised to the office of Chancellor of the University, 

 and created a Baron, by the Elector of Bavaria. — He died in- 

 3754. 



Stahl\s Doctrine concerning the Mind. p. 17. 



Contemporary with Wolfe was the celebrated George 

 Ernest Stahl, Professor of Medicine in the University of 

 Halle. He was distinguished not so much by any new doc- 

 trine concerning the nature and powers of the mind (for it 

 is even uncertain what were the opinions which he held 

 on this subject), as by entertaining the singular idea, that the 

 soul presides over, and governs the whole economy of the 

 body, both in health and disease. To the will he referred ail 

 the vital functions, and contended, that if there be instances 

 in which we will an effect, without being able to make ic an 

 object of attention, it is possible that what we call vital and 

 involuntary motions may be the consequences of our own 

 thought and volition. He supposed that the influence of the 

 soul is extended to every part of the system by means of the 

 nerves ; and that, when their action is impeded or deranged, 

 disease is the unavoidable consequence. These opinions oC 



