Versuch einer Gründlichen Erläuterung Merckwürdiger Begebenheiten in der Natur

The State Physician of Schaumburg-Lippe Christian Philipp Berger (1701-1739) published the first edition of his "Versuch einer Gründlichen Erläuterung Merckwürdiger Begebenheiten in der Natur" in Lemgo in 1737-1739. The work was a continuation of Ludwig Philipp Thümmings "Versuch einer Gründlichen Erläuterung der merckwürdigsten Begebenheiten in der Natur" (Reprinted in Christian Wolff, Gesammelte Werke, Abt. III, Bd. 54, 1999), in keeping with the wishes of Christian Wolff (1679-1754). For the edition reprinted here Wolff wrote an extensive preface in which he made a point of mentioning the latest developments in the description of natural phenomena and natural history. In his Versuch Berger himself follows Wolff’s ideal method. He was familiar with Wolff’s works, especially the "Deutsche Physik" and the "Nützlichen Versuche" which he often cites as a model. He also includes many references to other works by Wolff such as the "Deutsche Metaphysik" and Wolff’s mathematical writings.