Leibniz derived the monad concept from Anne Conway and Van Helmont via the Cabala.
Evidence
It seems clear, therefore, that Leibniz appropriated the term monad from Conway and Van Helmont, its origins stemming initially from the Cabala. The influential role that Anne Conway’s ideas played in his decision to use this concept has hitherto not been recognized, due to a series of scholarly errors originating from Heinrich Ritter’s assumption that Van Helmont was the author rather than the editor of her Principles. — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature, 990
Categorization
- XREF: Pays off the chapter 62 claim about Conway’s monism and chapter 60-61 vitalism; also feeds the polyad thread on how marginalized thinkers (women, radicals) supplied ideas later canonized through men. — connects to: Leibniz’s conception of matter as dormant monads echoed Van Helmont’s and Conway’s organicism. — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology,…, 989; Leibniz defined an infinite number of unextended soul substances called monads. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2128
- ADDENDUM: Supports the pattern that orthodox/canonical science absorbed ideas from the organicist-vitalist tradition Conway represents.
Broader Connections
- Leibniz’s conception of matter as dormant monads echoed Van Helmont’s and Conway’s organicism.
#corroborates(0.90) — Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature, 989 - Leibniz defined an infinite number of unextended soul substances called monads.
#expands(0.75) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2128