The Man Who Flattened the Earth : Maupertuis and the Sciences in the Enlightenment

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Summary: Mary Terrall re-creates 18th century European society
Review: The Man Who Flattened The Earth: Marpertuis And The Sciences In The Enlightenment is the story of Maupertuis and his scientific interests in the early to mid 1700s and who represented Enlightenment thinking. Mary Terrall re-creates 18th century European society and science alike as she surveys the man who began his career as a mathematician in Paris, only to form controversial theories about the Earth, physics, and even astronomy. Maupertius used his social connections to enhance both his science and his position in society: this provides a lively account of his achievements.