64. In the space of [about] thirty years (1728-1765) this
interesting subject has been agitated by the free spirit of
the Count de Boulainvilliers (Memoires Historiques sur
l'Etat de la France, particularly tom. i. p. 15-49), the
learned ingenuity of the Abbe Dubos (Histoire Critique de
l'Etablissement de la Monarchie Francoise dans les Gaules 2
vols. in 4to.), the comprehensive genius of the President de
Montesquieu (The Spirit of Laws, particularly 1. xxviii.
xxx. xxxi.), and the good sense and diligence of the Abbe de
Mably (Observations sur l'Histoire de France, 2 vols.
I2mo.).