Laplace's Exposition du système du monde
1796
The great French mathematician published a layman's summary of his celestial mechanics - including the nebular hypothesis that the solar system had formed from a spinning cloud of gas. Napoleon would later ask why God was missing from Laplace's universe. The mathematician supposedly replied: 'Sire, I had no need of that hypothesis.'
In context
Also in 1796 (5 other events on record)
- Jenner's Smallpox Vaccination · Europe · Science
- Washington's Farewell Address · North America · Politics
- Napoleon's Italian Campaign · Europe · War
- White Lotus Rebellion Begins · East Asia · War
- Qianlong Abdicates · East Asia · Politics
Before and after in Europe
Before and after in Science
Era
Enlightenment (1651–1800), one of 696 events from that era on Saeculum.