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Sir William Blackstone (1723-1780) was the leading legal authority on English law, upon which much American law is based.  Law students in America hear about him frequently in law school.  In “The Rights of Englishmen,” Blackstone described the source of the rights of the people.

Sir William Blackstone (1723-1780) was the leading legal authority on English law, upon which much American law is based.  Law students in America hear about him frequently in law school.  In “The Rights of Englishmen,” Blackstone described the source of the rights of the people.

Frenchman Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) proposed the concept of separation of powers, and checks and balances, in government.  This inspired the United States [[Constitution]].  His book, “The Spirit of the Laws,” explained essential aspects of good government that became enormously influential.

Frenchman Charles-Louis Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) proposed the concept of separation of powers, and checks and balances, in government.  This inspired the United States [[Constitution]].  His book, “The Spirit of the Laws,” explained essential aspects of good government that became enormously influential.

Another Frenchman, Denis Diderot (1713-1784), contributed to literature, speculated on free will and attachment to material things, and edited an encyclopedia of scientific and social knowledge known simply as “Encyclopedia” (French: ''“Encyclopédie”'').

Another Frenchman, Denis Diderot (1713-1784), contributed to literature, speculated on free will and attachment to material things, and edited an encyclopedia of scientific and social knowledge known simply as “Encyclopedia” (French: ''“Encyclopédie”'').