Metaphysical Thoughts (Cogitata Metaphysica)
From the Appendix to The Principles of Descartes' Philosophy
By Benedict de Spinoza

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NOTE:
    I have not included here the main work itself; "The Principles of Descartes' Philosophy by Benedict de Spinoza" which is Spinoza's attempt to recast Descartes' work in the Geometric form. However, I am including the Appendix to that work as it seems to represent the early stages of Spinoza's own developing thoughts. Some of the ideas Spinoza expresses here may be in support of Descartes' work and may not be ideas held by Spinoza. I would suggest that if anyone does study that work they consider Spinoza's comments in the following letters:

Letter 9 (13) Spinoza to Oldenburg,
Letter 29a Spinoza to L. M. (Lewis Meyer),
Letter 70 (81) Spinoza to Tschirnhausen,
Letter 72 (83) Spinoza to Tschirnhausen, and
Letter 34 (21) Spinoza to Blyenbergh where he writes:

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"...As regards Lewis Meyer's preface, the points which were still left to be proved by Descartes before establishing his demonstration of free will, are certainly there set forth; it is added that I hold a contrary opinion, my reasons for doing so being given. I shall, perhaps, in due time give further explanations. For the present I have no such intention.

    I have never thought about the work on Descartes nor given any further heed to it, since it has been translated into Dutch. I have my reasons, though it would be tedious to enumerate them here. So nothing remains for me but to subscribe myself, &c."
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Table of Contents:

Part 1.
In which some points relating to Being and its Affects are briefly explained.

• Ch.01. Division of Being.
  
• Ch.02. Essence, Existence, Idea and Power Explained.
  
• Ch.03. The Terms Necessary, Contingent, Impossible and Possible Explained.
  
• Ch.04. Concerning Duration and Time.
  
• Ch.05. Concerning Opposition, Order, etc.
  
• Ch.06. Concerning Unity, Truth and Goodness.
  

Part 2.
Wherein are briefly explained some points concerning God and His Attributes, and concerning the Human Mind

• Ch.01. Concerning the Eternity of God.
  
• Ch.02. Concerning the Unity of God.
  
• Ch.03. Concerning the Greatness of God.
  
• Ch.04. Concerning God's Immutability.
  
• Ch.05. Concerning the Simplicity of God.
  
• Ch.06. Concerning the Life of God.
  
• Ch.07. Concerning the Understanding of God.
  
• Ch.08. Concerning God's Will.
  
• Ch.09. Concerning the Power of God.
  
• Ch.10. Concerning Creation.
  
• Ch.11. Concerning the Concurrence of God.
  
• Ch.12. Concerning the Human mind.