One of the most important French philosophers of the Enlightenment was Emilie du Chatelet. She fought for the right to study and publish. During her lifetime, women were often considered physically inferior and were not permitted to take part in formal educational institutions. However, Du Chatelet found ways to break down gender barriers.
Initially, Du Chatelet studied mathematics and physics. Her interest in natural philosophy stemmed from a desire to challenge the traditional Cartesian system. Her first work was an essay entitled Dissertation sur la nature et la propagation du feu. It predicted the nature of light and infrared radiation.
After publishing her essay, Du Chatelet began her study of advanced geometry and astronomy. She was influenced by mathematician Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis. Then, she met Samuel Koenig. These two men became friends. Later, Koenig introduced Du Chatelet to Christian Wolff, who helped her develop her ideas.
Although she did not focus exclusively on physics, Du Chatelet wrote a number of books on astronomy and optics. Her writings also covered women’s roles in society. In particular, Du Chatelet believed that good science needed metaphysical foundations.
For example, she believed that the Principle of the Best is innate in rational creatures. Furthermore, she links the interconnectedness of the natural world to perfection. Finally, she believes that God endowed such creatures with the ideas of eternal truths.
Despite her efforts to become a full-fledged philosopher, du Chatelet’s writings were intermittent. Several of her works were written in the 18th century, but they were only published in their final form in the mid-19th century. Today, her manuscripts are held in several libraries across France and Belgium. A synthesis of her remarks on Genesis was published in English in 1967.
One of the most important aspects of du Chatelet’s life was her relationship with Voltaire. They lived together for fifteen years. Despite the fact that they were married, they shared a close friendship. They worked together on experiments and wrote about their experiences. Eventually, the two became lovers. When Voltaire became in trouble, du Chatelet hid him at her country estate.
After their marriage, the couple had three children. One of them was born while du Chatelet was still working on her masterpiece, Foundations of Physics. This book is the only complete translation of Newton’s Principia into French. Moreover, its second edition was translated into German.
In addition to his own writings, Du Chatelet studied the work of others. He was influenced by the work of Isaac Newton, Isaac Leibniz, and Pierre Louis de Maupertuis. At the same time, he also analyzed the theories and methods of these great physicists. His essays were often criticized for being derivative of the work of male contemporaries.
By the time of his death, Du Chatelet had written a total of 78 essays. He also had a long list of books he had completed, including Examens de la Bible, Dissertation sur le bonheur, and Dissertation sur la nature et les propagation du feu.
