Gottfried Leibniz

Timeline

1. 1661–1666Leipzig · Electorate of SaxonyHe entered the University of Leipzig in 1661, systematically studying philosophy, law, and mathematics, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1663 and completing his law doctoral dissertation De Casibus Perplexis in 1666.
2. 1666–1667Altdorf · Free Imperial City of NurembergDenied an academic post by the University of Leipzig, he transferred to the University of Altdorf, defended and received his doctorate in law, then declined a professorship and turned to diplomacy and practical legal work.
3. 1667–1670Mainz · Electorate of MainzEmployed by the Elector of Mainz, he participated in planning imperial political and legal reforms, helped bring about the Rhenish League in 1668, and around 1670 continued to handle diplomatic and documentary affairs for the elector.
4. 1672–1676Paris · Kingdom of FranceIn Paris he encountered the Cartesian school and the frontiers of European science, independently developed ideas of calculus, and exchanged with scholars such as Huygens; in 1676 he visited The Hague and held long talks with Spinoza.
5. 1676–1716Hanover · Brunswick-LüneburgServing as court councillor and librarian in Hanover, he directed the compilation of historical documents, developed philosophical systems including monadology and the Theodicy, and engaged in controversy with Locke over innate ideas and related questions.