inkbluesky

orchids in white on black

The scientist whom history forgot

This is where the great problem with her subsequent reputation began, for Voltaire wasn’t much of a scientist, but Du Châtelet was a skilled theoretician. Once, working secretly at night at the chateau over just one intense summer month, hushing servants to not spoil the surprise for Voltaire, she came up with insights on the nature of light that set the stage for the future discovery of photography, as well as of infrared radiation. It was a humiliating contrast for Voltaire, and especially grating when she began to probe into the still recent mathematical physics of Sir Isaac Newton.

Voltaire could not follow any of the maths, but on political grounds he wanted to believe that Newton was perfect in all respects. Du Châtelet, however, began a research programme that went beyond Newton and led to her glimpsing notions that would lead later researchers to the idea of conservation of energy fundamental to all subsequent physics.

For that, and other reasons, she and Voltaire broke up: he was immensely proud, and couldn’t bear to have as a lover someone who could so clearly see his weaknesses.

I’ve heard of worse reasons for relationships to go sour, but this one was petty and full of what an old friend would describe as false pride. Though credit to Voltaire for helping her once she got pregnant and had no one else to turn to.

Ancient dagger found in Bulgaria

Archaeologists have discovered a precious golden dagger dated to about 3,000BC in a Thracian tomb in the centre of Bulgaria.

It is the latest find from one of many tombs believed to have formed the cradle of Thracian civilisation.

The dagger, made of an alloy of gold and platinum, was found near the village of Dubovo.

Bozhidar Dimitrov, head of Bulgaria’s National Museum, told Reuters news agency the discovery was “sensational”.

It is the latest in a string of finds in the area in recent years which has excited archaeologists and has provided more details of the skills of the still mysterious Thracian civilisation.

3000 BC? I think we need to give the idea that “civilization” started in either Egypt or the Tigris area of what is now Iraq some more thought. I’m just speculating out loud, but maybe there were multiple groups of people congregating into cities in various places across the globe and Egypt and the Sumerians get credit because they just happen to leave behind the most artifacts. I wonder what we may never find because a modern city or dam is sitting on top of a 3000 or 3500 year old town.