"Although the basis of modern biology is Cartesian, Descartes' theories of biology have been more often ridiculed than studied. Yet, Dennis Des Chene demonstrates, the themes, arguments, and vocabulary of his mechanistic biology pervade the writings of many seventeenth-century authors. In his illuminating account of Cartesian physiology in its historical context, Des Chene focuses on the philosopher's innovative reworking of that field, including the nature of life, the problem of generation, and the concepts of health and illness." "Spirits and Clocks continues Des Chene's exploration - begun in his previous book, Life's Form - of the scholastic and Cartesian sciences as well as the dialogue between these two worldviews."--BOOK JACKET.