Following the publication of Newton's Principia, the extended process of adoption began. In this episode, we look at what barriers there were to Newton's ideas and how they were overcome. We also look at the acceptance of heliocentricism and the reworking of Newton's mathematical formalism up through the work of Pierre-Simon Laplace. Other scientists discussed include Francois-Marie Arouet, otherwise known by his pseudonym, Voltaire, the mathematician Alexis Claude Clairaut, the polymath Pierre Louis Moreau de Maupertuis and a pair of remarkable women: Gabrielle-Émilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil, Marquise du Châtelet and Laura Maria Caterina Bassi.
Emilie du Chatelet and the Frontispiece of her Translation of the Principia
Just so you know, Davies, your show is my favorite online podcast. Yes, even more than Dan Carlin.
Posted by: Armstrong | 03/28/2017 at 01:19 PM
Thank you very much for your kind words! That's high praise, indeed! I'm glad that you're enjoying the show and it's great to have you as a member of the crew. Full Sails!
Posted by: The Navigator | 03/29/2017 at 04:47 AM