Originally published in 1984. Paul Henri Thiery, Baron d'Holbach (1723-1789), was the center of the radical wing of the philosophers, best known for The System of Nature (1770) and deservedly, since it is a clear exposition of his main ideas. This is the third of three volumes.

Part II: On the Divinity.-Proofs of his Existence-Of his Attributes-Of his Influence over the Happiness of Man. Chapter 7: Of Theism-Of the System of Optimism-Of Final Causes. Chapter 8: Examination of the Advantages which result from Man's Notions on the Divinity-of their Influence upon Morals-upon Politics-upon Science-upon the Happiness of Nations, and that of Individuals. Chapter 9: Theological Notions cannot be the Basis of Morality.-Comparison between Theological Ethics nad Natural Morality.-Theology prejudicial to the Human Mind. Chapter 10: Man can form no Conclusion from the Ideas which are offered him the Divinity.-Of their want of just Inference-Of the Inutility of his Conduct. Chapter 11: Defence of the Sentiments contained in this Work.-Of impiety.-Do there exist Atheists? Chapter 12: Is what is termed Atheism, compatible with Morality? Chapter 13: Of the motives which lead to what is falsely called Atheism.-Can this system be dangerous?-Can it be embraced by the Illiterate? Chapter 14: A summary of the Code of Nature. A Brief Sketch of the Life and Writings of M de Mirabaud.