The climate of Stockholm was severe; Descartes caught inflammation of the lungs; he insisted upon doctoring himself, and died on the 11th of February, 1650.

"He didn't want to resist death," said his friends, not admitting that their master's will could be vanquished by death itself.

His influence remained for a long while supreme over his age.

Bossuet and Fenelon were Cartesians.

"I think, therefore I am," wrote Madame de Sevigne to her daughter.