1745, Bleton was only 32 years old when he signed an ordinary translator contract with Diderot. He is a bourgeois freelance writer, trying to make a living-trying to please his wife, otherwise she will oppose him for money. At first, he was satisfied with his fixed income. But before long, he began to imagine a bigger plan-compiling a brand-new French encyclopedia. The idea of an encyclopedia itself is not a new idea-there were many knowledge compilers in the Middle Ages who collected information and copied it into volumes. But this time is different. Experts in each field write, describe and discuss the latest achievements in science, philosophy, culture, literature, mathematics, history and trade (trade is the first episode). The famous mathematician D'Alembert (1717-1783) joined the editorial department as the deputy editor. Bleton was soon attracted by this new adventure, and he saw that it would be an excellent investment project with rich returns.
D'Alembert is the deputy editor-in-chief of Diderot, responsible for the organization of encyclopedias and the author of many articles. The formal name of the encyclopedia is encyclopedia, or the dictionary of science, art and trade system (hereinafter referred to as encyclopedia), which pays more attention to things. Paying attention to trade is the unique feature of this book, and Diderot hopes to add a basic and really useful content to this book. Diderot called a group of "encyclopedia compilers" and asked them to provide in-depth expert comments, contributions, rhetoric and philosophical synthesis. There are many authoritative figures, such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Montesquieu. Important scientists such as Buffon; Even some clergy. These experts dare to speak out, their views cover religion, politics, philosophy and other fields, and there is no lack of progress or even revolution. These philosophers hold high the banner of knowledge and call on people to give up conservative ideas with loud battle slogans. Their goal is to rely on the power of the pen to oppose the conservative forces of the church and the state. Encyclopedia is a rational dictionary, which discusses the application of every art and science, but it also has the purpose of provoking disputes: putting forward the philosophical principles of the Enlightenment, praising the progress of rationalism philosophy and human thought, overcoming all hostile forces, and truly understanding the essence of human nature.
Under Diderot's instruction, the encyclopedia published 28 volumes from 175 1 to 1772 (the other 7 volumes were published later), many of which were completely block-printed, depicting the specific details of various trades, botany, physiology, instruments and technologies-this is what Diderot insisted on doing. However, the publication of the first volume was not generally welcomed. It even caused great controversy, and the church, the government and many ordinary readers were angry and opposed: how can these philosophers assume that there is no mystery in nature that cannot be explained clearly by reason? The church knows the power of the pen and the threat it poses. The unrestrained style in the works also attracted the attention of government officials.
Therefore, when the first volume of 175 1 was published, the French government and church censors immediately banned it on charges of encouraging rebellious spirit and advocating "moral corruption" ... anti-religion, no faith ... ". Diderot finally persuaded the censors to publish several volumes, but many articles were carefully worded so as not to arouse their anger again. Continue to publish, and finally published 35 volumes.