The leading idea of her book on literature was the perfectibility of human nature,not new, since it had been affirmed by Ferguson in England, by Kant in Germany, and by Turgot in France, and even by Roger Bacon in the Middle Ages.

" Distinguishing himself as Intendant, on the death of Louis XV the King called Turgot to the Council of State, and in August, 1774, Turgot became Minister of Finance.

The Parliaments were re-established, and soon verified all the predictions of Turgot by conduct more factious and violent than ever.