| Physical description |
xviii, 781 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 755-777) and index. |
| Contents |
1. Isaac Newton's theory of a flattened earth (1687, 1713, 1726) -- 2. The state of the problem of the earth's shape in the 1720s: Stalemate -- 3. The revival of geodesy in Paris (1733-1735) -- 4. Pierre Bouguer and the theory of homogeneous figures of equilibrium (1734) -- 5. Maupertuis: On the theory of the earth's shape (1734) -- 6. Alexis-Claude Clairaut's first theories of the earth's shape -- 7. Interlude I: integral calculus (1690-1741) -- 8. Interlude II: The Paris Academy's contest on the tides (1740) -- 9. Clairaut's mature theory of the earth's shape (1741-1743): First substantial connections between the revival of mathematics in Paris and progress in mechanics there -- 10. Epilogue: Fontaine's and Clairaut's advances in the partial differential calculus revisited, or the virtues of interrelated developments in mathematics and science, and the fall of "normal" science. |
| Summary |
This book investigates the spread of Newtonian physics in the French scientific community during the eighteenth century. |
| Subject |
Physical sciences -- France -- History -- 18th century.
|
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Earth (Planet) -- Figure -- History.
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| ISBN |
0521385415 |
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