laplace's

Updated: June 16, 2025

Somerville; I wanted to know the astronomer: that lady talked of the theatre, the opera, and common things." The anecdote so often told of Laplace's compliment is literally true. Mrs. Somerville dined with this great geometer in Paris. "I write books," said Laplace, "that no one can read. Only two women have ever read the 'Mecanique Celeste'; both are Scotch women: Mrs. Greig and yourself."

Various - The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 31, May, 1860