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Euler and Maupertuis on the Figure of the Earth

In: Mathematical Geography in the Eighteenth Century: Euler, Lagrange and Lambert

Author

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  • Athanase Papadopoulos

    (Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche Mathématique Avancée)

Abstract

In this chapter, we review Euler’s work on geography in relation with that of the French astronomer, geographer, philosopher and naturalist Pierre Louis Moreau de Maupertuis. The latter was the president of the Prussian Academy of Sciences during the period in which Euler worked there, and he exerted some influence on him. More especially, we shall comment on a question that had an important impact on the works of both scientists, namely, that of the figure of the Earth. Indeed, two conflicting theories were in competition when Euler and Maupertuis started working on geography, one theory pretending that the Earth, rather than being spherical, has the form of a spheroid elongated at the poles and flattened at the equator, and the other one saying on the contrary that the Earth has the form of a spheroid flattened at the poles and elongated at the equator. Our ultimate goal is to show the impact of this question on mathematics, and in particular on the differential geometry of surfaces, first in the work of Euler, and then, in the works of later mathematicians.

Suggested Citation

  • Athanase Papadopoulos, 2022. "Euler and Maupertuis on the Figure of the Earth," Springer Books, in: Renzo Caddeo & Athanase Papadopoulos (ed.), Mathematical Geography in the Eighteenth Century: Euler, Lagrange and Lambert, chapter 0, pages 47-79, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-09570-2_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-09570-2_3
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