So great was the outcry caused by its publication that La Mettrie was forced to quit his position with the French Guards, taking refuge in Leiden.
Selle avaldamisest tekkinud protestikisa oli nii võimas, et La Mettrie oli sunnitud lahkuma oma ametikohalt Prantsusmaa Valvurite juures (French Guards) ning leidis varjupaiga Leidenis.