Democritus. c460-c370BC. Greek philosopher. Atomic theory of matter. Separate mind. Man’s goal is happiness and tranquility.

Descartes, René. 1596-1650. French Rationalist philosopher, physician, mathematician. Cartesian coordinates. Discourse on Method 1637. “Cogito ergo sum”-I think, therefore I am. Analytical Geometry 1636. Meditations 1641. Principia Philosophica 1645.

DesPrés, Josquin. c1440-c1521. Franco-Flemish contrapuntal composer. Motets, chansons.

Dessalines, Jacques. c1758-1806. Cruel ex-slave Emperor of Haiti 1804-.

Deucalion. Greek mythological equivalent of Noah.

Devil’s Island. French Guiana. South American penal colony 1854-1946.

Devil’s Parliament. 1459. Held at Coventry.

Dewar, James. 1842-1923. Scottish physicist: liquified helium1898, vacuum flask. Abel.

Dewey, John. 1859-1952. US Pragmatist philosopher. -’It is in society’s interest that an individual develop and exercise his talents’. Studies in Logical Theory 1903.

Diadochi, Wars of. 321-281BC. Partition of Empire among Alexander’s generals.

Diderot, Denis. 1713-84. French writer, editor of Encyclopédie 1745-72 based on Chambers’. Rameau’s nephew.

Diggers. 1649-50. English communal Puritan farmers. “True Levellers”.

Dimitrov, Georgi. 1882-1949. Bulgarian Communist leader. Prime Minister 45-. Acquitted of Reichstagg fire.

Dinah. Jacob and Leah’s daughter. Raped by Hivite, Shechem.

Dio Cassius. 155-235. Greek/Roman historian. 80 Volume history: Roman Antiquities.

Dirac, Paul. 1902-84. English quantum physicist.

Disarmament Conference. 1932-4. 60 Nations fail to agree due to Hitler’s rise in Germany.

Divine Right. 16-18C. Assertion that king’s authority came from God. Louis XIV. James I. Charles I.

Dmitri. -1591. Murdered heir to Russian throne. Gudunov. Time of Troubles. 1605-12 three “False Dmitris” claim throne.

Doctors’ Plot. 1953. Stalinist conspiracy.

Dolet, Étienne. 1509-46. French scholar. Executed for denying the soul’s immortality.

Dollar Diplomacy. Buying a country’s support with loans, aid.

Don Quixote. Cervantes’ idealist 16C hero who attacks sheep and tilts at windmills.

Donatello. 1386-1466. Florentine sculptor. Gattamelata 1445- first Renaissance equestrian statue. David- 1st Renaissance free-standing nude. St. George 1416.

Donation of Pepin. 756. Land exchanged for Pope’s recognition. Basis of Papal States.

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