Pierre-Simon Laplace

23 March 1749 – 5 March 1827

Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827) was a French mathematician, physicist, and astronomer sometimes called the 'French Newton'. His five-volume Traite de mecanique celeste translated the geometric study of classical mechanics into calculus-based analysis, and he made foundational contributions to probability theory, statistics, and the nebular hypothesis of the solar system's origin. He briefly served as Napoleon's Minister of the Interior and was later made a marquis under the Bourbon Restoration.

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Life events

Born in Beaumont-en-Auge, Normandy
23 March 1749

Pierre-Simon Laplace was born in the Norman village of Beaumont-en-Auge, the son of a small landowner and cider merchant.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied at the University of Caen
1766 – 1768

Intended for the church, Laplace enrolled at Caen to study theology but discovered his mathematical talent under teachers there.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Moved to Paris and became professor at the Ecole Militaire
c. 1769

With a letter of introduction to Jean le Rond d'Alembert, Laplace went to Paris and, impressed by his ability, d'Alembert secured him a teaching post at the military school.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected to the French Academy of Sciences
1773

Laplace became an adjoint member of the Academie des Sciences at the age of 24.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Marie-Charlotte de Courty de Romanges
1788

Laplace married Marie-Charlotte de Courty de Romanges in Paris; the couple had two children.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published Exposition du systeme du monde
1796

Laplace's popular account of celestial mechanics presented his nebular hypothesis for the origin of the solar system.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published the five volumes of Traite de mecanique celeste
1799 – 1825

Laplace's monumental treatise on celestial mechanics, published between 1799 and 1825, systematized the gravitational analysis of the solar system.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Served briefly as Napoleon's Minister of the Interior
November 1799 – December 1799

After the coup of 18 Brumaire, Napoleon appointed Laplace Minister of the Interior, but replaced him after only six weeks.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published Theorie analytique des probabilites
1812

Laplace's treatise laid the mathematical foundations of modern probability theory and statistics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Paris
5 March 1827

Laplace died at his home in Paris at the age of 77.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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