Gabrielle-Émilie Châtelet had a major role in the scientific revolution of the eighteenth century. By popularizing the theories of Isaac Newton she brought them more widespread acceptance in Europe where most people still followed the ideas of René Descartes. Châtelet's scientific work has been ignored and overshadowed by her relationship with the philosopher Voltaire.

Born Gabrielle-Émilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil in Paris on December 17, 1706 into an aristocratic family, the marquise du Châtelet received an exceptional education at home, which included scientific, musical, and literary studies. In 1725, she married the marquis du Châtelet, who was also the count of Lomont. It was a marriage of convenience, but she nevertheless had three children with him. After spending some years with her husband, whose political and military career kept him away from Paris, Châtelet returned to...