Claude Clairaut
French mathematician, astronomer, and geophysicist (*1713 – †1765)
1713 — 1765
Quick Facts
Profession
French mathematician, astronomer, and geophysicist (*1713 – †1765)
Born
May 13, 1713
Died
1765 (age ~52)
Name Origin
French
Timeline
astronomer, physicist, mechanic
FranceBorn in ParisDied in Paris
1713
Born in Paris (1713-05-13)
1737
AwardFellow of the Royal Society
1743
Notable worktheory of hydrostatic equilibrium
1752
Notable workThéorie de la Lune
1765
Died in Paris
About
Alexis Claude Clairaut was a French mathematician, astronomer, and geophysicist. He was a prominent Newtonian whose work helped to establish the validity of the principles and results that Sir Isaac Newton had outlined in the Principia of 1687. Clairaut was one of the key figures in the expedition to Lapland that helped to confirm Newton's theory for the figure of the Earth. In that context, Clairaut worked out a mathematical result now known as "Clairaut's theorem". He also tackled the gravitational three-body problem, being the first to obtain a satisfactory result for the apsidal precession of the Moon's orbit. In mathematics he is also credited with Clairaut's equation and Clairaut's relation.
Read more on Wikipedia →Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Claude Clairaut?+
Alexis Claude Clairaut was a French mathematician, astronomer, and geophysicist. He was a prominent Newtonian whose work helped to establish the validity of the principles and results that Sir Isaac Newton had outlined in the Principia of 1687. Clairaut was one of the key figures in the expedition t
What does the name Claude mean?+
The name Claude means "unisex given name". It is of French origin.
When was Claude Clairaut born?+
Claude Clairaut was born on May 13, 1713.
When did Claude Clairaut die?+
Claude Clairaut died in 1765, at approximately 52 years of age.
Name Meaning
unisex given name
The name Claude is of French origin, meaning "unisex given name". It is traditionally a male name.
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Claude — May 13, 1713
Zodiac & Calendar Signs
Western Zodiac
Taurus
Reliable, patient, devoted
Earth · Venus · Apr 20 – May 20
Chinese Zodiac
Snake
Enigmatic, intelligent, wise
Water · Yin
Mayan Tzolkin
8 Oc
Dog — loyalty, guidance, faith
Celtic Tree
Hawthorn
Curious, adaptable, natural performer
Ogham: Huath · May 13 – Jun 9
Birthstone: Emerald — Rebirth, fertility
Would you name your baby Claude?
Guestbook
Respect.
— .
Your paper from '98 is still on my desk. Dog-eared and highlighted.
— a grad student
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