Conclusion

Abstract

It would be both convenient and impressive to conclude this study with a summary of Tyssot’s contribution to the literature and philosophy of his time and with an assessment of his influence on the writers and thinkers who came after him. But, from what we have seen, Tyssot, far from having ideas of his own, simply echoed the controversies of the day and, although he was read by Voltaire, Mme de Graffigny, the marquis d’Argenson and others, there is no evidence that he had any more influence on their ideas than did a hundred other minor authors. What I have tried to show, on the contrary, is that the real interest of Tyssot lies elsewhere.