"The great ocean of knowledge"
Subtitle: the influence of travel literature on the work of John Locke
By: by Ann Talbot.
Series: Brill's studies in intellectual history -- v. 184; Brill's studies in intellectual history -- v. 184.
Publisher: Brill; BRILL
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Leiden; Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 337
ISBN-13: 9789004181151
Subjects: Locke, John, -- 1632-1704 -- Books and reading; Travelers' writings, European -- History and criticism
Description: "The philosopher John Locke (1632-1704) owned one of the most extensive collections of travel literature held in any private scholarly library of his day. This interest seems very much at odds with Locke's standing as an empirical philosopher because travellers' reports have acquired a reputation for unreliability. This book sets Locke's use of travel literature within the context of the natural historical methods of investigation associated with Francis Bacon and the Royal Society. It examines the notes which Locke made in his commonplace books to demonstrate that he was developing a form of comparative social anthropology and had a sympathetic attitude towards Native Americans despite his role as a colonial administrator."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Based on the author's thesis--University of Bolton.

Includes bibliographical references and index.