BONN, Charles (Bonnet Charles)

(1720-1793)
Born March 13, 1720 in Geneva. He studied law, in 1743 received his doctorate, but later became interested in natural history. In 1752-1768 was a member of the Great Council in Geneva. Most of his life in this city and its surroundings. In 1745 in the book Treatise on insects (Trait d'insectologie) described the arthropods, polyps, and worms, as well as the discovery of the phenomenon of parthenogenesis (single-sex reproduction) in aphids. It is also found in insects on the body surface TN. stigma (or spiracles) - opening tracheal system, through which they breathe. Observe the process of regeneration in worms, hydro and others, described the anomalous cases of this process. He tried to explain the role of leaves in plants and machinery movement vegetable juices. Later, because of poor vision Bonn was forced to leave classes for natural history. He has published several philosophical works, which bore a clear imprint of the ideas of Leibniz and Christian metaphysics. The books outline of psychology (Essai de psychologie, . 1754) and analytical research abilities of the soul (Essai analytique sur les facults de l'me, . 1760) Bonn argued, . that all mental activity is determined by physiological factors, . which led to charges against him of fatalism and materialism,
. We Discourse on organized bodies (Considrations sur les corps organiss, 1762) he outlined the theory of epigenesis, and notions of presuschestvovanii embryos, or 'shower'. In contemplation of the nature of work (Contemplation de la nature, 1764-1765) defended the principle of 'continuity of nature', which, in accordance with the traditions of 18. Was presented to them as the grand staircase of living beings. These ideas, supplemented by the principle of 'indestructible organisms', were developed in the philosophical palingenesis (Palingnsie philosophique, 1769-1770). Bonn has had a significant influence on the philosophical thought of his time and actually was the forerunner of Psychophysiology. He died in Bonn Zhentode near Geneva May 20, 1793.