This fully annotated edition presents an English translation of La Mettrie's uncompromisingly materialist treatise together with the most important of his other philosophical works translated in English, and the introduction examines his aims and the scandalous moral consequences which he drew from his materialism.

The main objective of Cambridge Texts in the History of Philosophy is to expand the range, variety and quality of texts in the history of philosophy which are available in English. The series includes texts by familiar names and also by less well-known authors. Wherever possible, texts are published in complete and unabridged form, and translations are specially commissioned for the series. Each volume contains a critical introduction together with a guide to further reading and any necessary glossaries and textual apparatus.