Ten fun facts about Pierre Simon de Laplace
Fact 1
Pierre-Simon, marquis de Laplace was born on 23 March 1749 in Normandy and died on 5 March 1827.
Fact 2
He recapped and protracted the work of his forerunners in his 5 volume Mécanique Céleste (Celestial Mechanics). This work interpreted the geometric study of classical mechanics to one built on calculus, starting up a wider range of problems.
Fact 3
In statistics, Laplace developed the Bayesian interpretation of probability.
Fact 4
Laplace devised Laplace's equation and established the Laplace transform that is used in many branches of mathematical physics, a field that he took a chief role in founding.
Fact 5
The Laplacian differential operator that is named after him is widely used in mathematics.
Fact 6
He reaffirmed and established the nebular hypothesis as the basis of the solar system and was one of the first scientists to hypothesize the presence of black holes and the concept of gravitational collapse.
Fact 7
Laplace is recalled as one of the supreme scientists of all time. Sometimes mentioned as the French Newton or Newton of France, he owned an extraordinary natural mathematical faculty higher to that of any of his colleagues.
Fact 8
In 1806, Laplace was made a count of the First French Empire and was also named a marquis in 1817, after the Bourbon Restoration.
Fact 9
The asteroid 4628 Laplace is named after him.
Fact 10
Laplace is one of the only 72 people to have their name engraved on the Eiffel Tower.
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