Pierre-Simon Laplace, 1749-1827

Preface Ch. 2Finite Differences, Recurrent Series, and Theory of Chance Ch. 3Probability of Events and of Their Causes: The Origin of Statistical Inference Ch. 4Universal Gravitation Ch. 5Distribution of Comets Ch. 6Partial Differential Equations, Determinants, and Variation of Constants Ch. 7The Figure of the Earth and the Motion of the Seas Pt. IILaplace in his Prime, 1778-1789 Ch. 9Variation of Constants, Differential Operators Ch. 10Probability Matured Ch. 11Generating Functions and Definite Integrals Ch. 12Population Ch. 13Determination of the Orbits of Comets Ch. 14Lavoisier and Laplace: Chemical Physics of Heat Ch. 15Attraction of Spheroids Ch. 16Planetary Astronomy Pt. IIISynthesis and Scientific Statesmanship Ch. 18Scientific Work in the Early Revolution Ch. 19Exposition du systeme du monde Ch. 20A Scientific Eminence Ch. 21Traite de mecanique celeste Pt. IVLaplacian Physics and Probability Ch. 23Short-Range Forces Ch. 24The Laplacian School Ch. 25Theory of Error Ch. 26Probability: Theorie analytique and Essai philosophique Ch. 27Loss of Influence Ch. 28The Last Analysis Pt. VThe Laplace Transform Conclusion Abbreviations Bibliography Index

"Gillispie's distinguished biography is a magisterial survey of one of the most influential scientists of the past two centuries. It is also a history of science at its most challenging."--William R. Shea, Nature "This is a rich and extremely well documented presentation of Laplace's works, which will surely prompt many scientists to go back to the original texts themselves and find out more about this great French scientist."--Jean-Bernard Robert, Physics World "This book will decidedly be the definitive one-volume work on Laplace, and will be of particular value to mathematicians and physicists who wish to know the mathematical details of the origins of a number of significant parts of their subjects."--R. L. Cooke, Mathematical Reviews "This book provides a scholarly and human view of the scientific life of Laplace, seen through the intellectual, political, and social environment of his time."--Lorenzo J. Curtis, Naturvetenskap