Ideas about Science, reason and rationality found their way into popular literature
Answers
In the 18th century the periodical press combined information about current affairs with entertainment. Newspapers and journals carried information about wars and trade as well as
the news of development in other places.
Similarly, ideas of philosophers now became accessible to common people. Ancient and medieval scientific texts were compiled and published, maps and scientific diagrams were widely printed. When scientists like Issac Newton began to publish their discoveries, they could influence a much wider circle of scientifically minded readers. The writings of thinkers such as Thomas Paine, Voltaire and Rousseau were also widely printed and read. Thus their ideas of about science, reason and rationality found their way into popular literature.