Celestial Mechanic — Pierre Simon Laplace

Pierre Simon Laplace was the greatest French scientist of his day, perhaps of all time. Sometimes referred to as the French Newton, Laplace made significant contributions to mathematics and statistics and in the scientific fields of physics, astronomy, and biology.

Laplace launched a demonic quest to describe all physical phenomenon through rigorous mathematical analysis. Laplace extended Newton’s theory of gravity and the related field of mathematical physics to attempt a complete description of the orbits of the planets and their moons in our solar system. He published the results of this work in his 5-volume work “Celestial Mechanics.”

Laplace’s quest continues to shape physical science and engineering today. Laplace used his status and influence to design the curriculum for the new Ecole Polytechnique, which opened in 1794, by the goal to instill in its students a profound understanding of mathematics and its role in science. The curriculum of the Ecole Polytechnique still serves as a model for training engineers around the world.

More than anything else, a facility with mathematics and mathematical analysis set French engineers apart from all others. There is some truth in the criticism that French engineers had a tendency to over analyze problems. But, then there is Gustave Eiffel’s elegant rebuttal. Eiffel and his team of engineers were able to analyze every aspect of his unprecedented 1000-foot high iron tower before beginning construction.

Pierre Simon Laplace, astronomer and mathematician, is one of the 72 scientists and engineers named on the Eiffel Tower.