Éléments de physiologie

Éléments de physiologie (Elements of Physiology) was a work by Denis Diderot, written between 1774 and 1780. In this work, Diderot explored his materialist philosophy and made prescient observations in biology and chemistry. He speculated on the origin of life without divine intervention, foreshadowing evolutionary theories, and proposed ideas about the cellular structure of matter.1

Diderot's philosophical and scientific writings, including Éléments de physiologie, were largely published posthumously. These works, known only to his friends during his lifetime, have led to greater appreciation of his ideas in modern times. His writings often presented complex ideas through dialogue, reflecting his understanding of life's ambiguities and human nature's contradictions.1