1802 Proofs of the Real Existence, and Dangerous Tendency, of Illuminism, 1st Edition

He authored Proofs of a Conspiracy in 1797a polemic accusing Freemasonry of being infiltrated by Weishaupts Order of the Illuminati.

John Robison FRSE 4 February 1739 to 30 January 1805 was a Scottish physicist and mathematician.

He was a professor of philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.

A member of the Edinburgh Philosophical Society when it received its royal warrant, he was appointed as the first General Secretary to the Royal Society of Edinburgh 1783 to 98.

Robison invented the siren and worked with James Watt on an early steam car.

Following the French Revolution, Robison became disenchanted with elements of the Enlightenment

His son was the inventor Sir John Robison 1778 to 1843.

Containing an Abstract of the Most Interesting Parts of What Dr. Robison and the ABBE Barruel have Published on This Subject, with Collateral Proofs and General Observations

Towards the end of his life, he became an enthusiastic conspiracy theorist, publishing Proofs of a Conspiracy in 1797, alleging clandestine intrigue by the Illuminati and Freemasons.

The works full title was Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe, carried on in the secret meetings of Freemasons, Illuminati and Reading Societies.

The secret agent monk, Alexander Horn provided much of the material for Robison's allegations.

French priest Abbe Barruel independently developed similar views that the Illuminati had infiltrated Continental Freemasonry, leading to the excesses of the French Revolution.

In 1798, the Reverend G. W. Snyder sent Robisons book to George Washington for his thoughts on the subject in which he replied to him in a letter

It was not my intention to doubt that, the Doctrines of the Illuminati, and principles of Jacobinism had not spread in the United States.

On the contrary, no one is more truly satisfied of this fact than I am.

The idea that I meant to convey, was, that I did not believe that the Lodges of Free Masons in this Country had, as Societies, endeavored to propagate the diabolical tenets of the first, or pernicious principles of the latter if they are susceptible of separation.

That Individuals of them may have done it, or that the founder, or instrument employed to found, the Democratic Societies in the United States, may have had these objects; and actually had a separation of the People from their Government in view, is too evident to be questioned.