Credibility and Divination in the Age of Reason

Credibility is vital for comprehending the world around us. This is as true today as it was in the 18th century when Diderot and d\u27Alembert were producing France\u27s first Encyclopédie. Translating articles from this body of knowledge provides insight into public perceptions of credibility. Designed to collect and share knowledge, the Encyclopédie required extensive collaboration among experts and editors. Article topics ranged from philosophy to the arts to physical science. What made these articles credible? Was it the oversight of well-known editors, the use of already verified sources, or the seal of approval from the State? Or was it a mix of these? What if the topics strayed into mystical territory? Numerous articles delve into the realm of divination, exploring types, procedures, and history. How were entries on ophiomancy, pyromancy, alectryomancy, and other types of divination legitimized? What does this reveal about credibility in the Age of Enlightenment