G. W. Leibniz (1646-1716) was one of the great polymaths of the modern world. As well as being among the greatest Rationalist metaphysicians of the post-medieval age, he built the first mechanical calculator capable of multiplication and division, and developed the binary, base-two system. As a physicist, he made advances in mechanics, coining the term "kinetic energy." As a mathematician, Leibniz invented calculus independently of Newton, and it is his notation, not Newton's, which is used to this day. Perhaps best known for the atomic concept of the monad, Leibniz also made outstanding contributions to symbolic logic, aesthetics, history, linguistics, and political theory. With entries written by leading scholars in the field of Modern Philosophy, this Companion is an accessible and authoritative reference guide to Leibniz's life, work and. The book includes extended biographical sketches and an up-to-date and fully comprehensive bibliography. Gathering all these resources, this book will be an extremely valuable tool for those interested in Leibniz and the era in which he wrote.