Gaspard Monge Biography

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World of Chemistry on Gaspard Monge

Monge was born into a merchant family and received a typical public school education. His instinctive aptitude for mathematics and science was so strong that he was placed in charge of the physics course at the Collège de la Trinité, where he was also a student. Though he never again received any formal science education, Monge managed to enjoy a spectacularly successful scientific career.

In 1764 he drew up a large-scale plan of his hometown, Beaune, France, that was so admired by military officers that he was given the position of draftsman and technician at the École Royale du Génie at Mezières. Monge's technique of using geometry to solve construction details, which normally required tedious calculations, was the foundation of what is called descriptive geometry. Monge designed fortresses for the army, which guarded Monge's unique methods as a military secret.

Monge's interests expanded to include the physical sciences and chemistry. In 1783 he synthesized water and in collaboration with Jean François Clouet (1751-1801) was the first to liquify sulfur dioxide, a substance that at room temperature is normally a gas but changes to a liquid at -98° F (-72° C).

After the French Revolution, Monge also became involved in public affairs and served on the committee to create the metric system of measurement. This marked the beginning of a long participation in French political life. By 1792 Monge was one of the most recognized and respected of French scientists and was instrumental in the creation of a number of important public institutions. Among these was the Êcole Polytechnique, which Monge helped form and served as its first director. The École Polytechnique evolved into one of the premier training centers for French scientists and engineers. During this time, Monge developed a strong friendship with Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), who appointed Monge to important committees involved in organizing the newly conquered regions in the expanding French sphere of influence, such as Italy and the Middle East. When Napoleon became Emperor he bestowed upon Monge the title of senator for life, which forever linked Monge to the political fortunes of Bonaparte.

When Napoleon fell in 1815, Monge was also discredited. His steady climb to the pinnacle of success quickly became a plummet to disgrace. His honors were stripped from him and he was expelled from the Institut de France. Exhausted physically and spiritually, Monge suffered various forms of political harrassment until his death in 1818. Despite the dim view of him held by the restored French monarchy, tribute was paid to Monge by his many friends, colleagues, and students at the Êcole Polytechnique, where he was still respected as one of the towering figures in French scientific life.