'Mercer's results are substantive and surprising … it will be read and passionately debated for years to come.' Early Science and Medicine

• Acknowledgments; References to Leibniz's works; Introduction: first truths and half truths; Part I. Metaphysics of Method: 1. Eclecticism and conciliation, 1661–68; Part II. Metaphysics of Substance: 2. Aristotelian assumptions, 1668–69; 3. Original conception of substance, 1669; 4. Second conception of substance, 1669–early 1671; Part III. Metaphysics of Divinity: 5. Platonist assumptions; 6. Metaphysics of divinity, 1668–early 1671; Part IV. Metaphysics: 7. Matter, passivity, and panorganic vitalism 1670–71; 8. Phenomenalism and preestablished harmony, 1671; 9. Preestablished harmony, late 1671–early 1672; 10. Final steps toward the mature philosophy, 1672–79; Conclusion: the truth behind the First truths; Appendices; Bibliography; Index locorum; Index.

'Mercer's results are substantive and surprising … it will be read and passionately debated for years to come.' Early Science and Medicine

• Acknowledgments; References to Leibniz's works; Introduction: first truths and half truths; Part I. Metaphysics of Method: 1. Eclecticism and conciliation, 1661–68; Part II. Metaphysics of Substance: 2. Aristotelian assumptions, 1668–69; 3. Original conception of substance, 1669; 4. Second conception of substance, 1669–early 1671; Part III. Metaphysics of Divinity: 5. Platonist assumptions; 6. Metaphysics of divinity, 1668–early 1671; Part IV. Metaphysics: 7. Matter, passivity, and panorganic vitalism 1670–71; 8. Phenomenalism and preestablished harmony, 1671; 9. Preestablished harmony, late 1671–early 1672; 10. Final steps toward the mature philosophy, 1672–79; Conclusion: the truth behind the First truths; Appendices; Bibliography; Index locorum; Index.