ABSTRACT
Henri Berr's style, which at times recalls the elegance of Sainte-Beuve, and his constant concern for systematization, reminiscent of the finest efforts of Taine and Cournot, make it difficult to classify him within the framework of any particular discipline. The influences that contributed to Berr's thinking are too numerous to be discussed systematically. The authors confine themselves here to the direct influences exerted by two of his teachers: Fustel de Coulanges and Emile Boutroux. Science must restore its close links with philosophy. Berr maintained a steady interest in the work of Gassendi. The history of ideas was a constant field of exploration for Berr. He looked to it for the materials with which to develop his synthesis. His interest in the work of Gassendi is a serious indication of this, and his doctoral thesis on the future of philosophy is even more persuasive.
