In Our Time Emilie du Châtelet
Feb 4, 2021
Join distinguished guests Patricia Fara, a historian of science, David Wootton, a historical insights expert, and Judith Zinsser, biographer of Emilie du Châtelet, as they illuminate the life of this groundbreaking 18th-century mathematician and philosopher. They delve into her remarkable translation of Newton's Principia, her dynamic relationship with Voltaire, and her fierce struggle for intellectual recognition in a male-dominated society. The conversation sheds light on her innovative ideas and influential role in shaping the Enlightenment discourse.
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Collaboration and Competition
- Émilie du Châtelet helped Voltaire understand Newton's work for his book, which he acknowledged in the preface.
- Later, she secretly submitted her own essay on fire, differing from Voltaire's, highlighting her intellectual independence.
Translation Mastery
- Émilie du Châtelet's translation of Newton's Principia required deep understanding, as Newton's original contained 'fudges'.
- Even the authoritative English translator, Bernard Cohen, found her translation invaluable.
Challenging Newton
- Émilie du Châtelet challenged Newton's idea of God replenishing force in the universe, arguing it contradicted natural laws.
- She aligned with Leibniz's view of a self-sufficient universe where God created it, setting it in motion to unfold on its own.
