10/03/2021

In Folha, Marcelo Viana talks about Euler and the King of Prussia.

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Reproduction of Marcelo Viana's column in Folha de S.Paulo.

Uneasy about the instability of his position in Saint Petersburg, in 1741 Euler accepted an invitation from King Frederick the Great (1712-1786) to head the mathematics section of the Prussian Academy of Sciences and moved to Berlin. The next two decades were marked by very important discoveries and a difficult relationship with the king.

Among Euler 's duties was educating Princess Friederike Charlotte, the king's niece. He wrote her over 200 letters on topics of mathematics and physics, which were later collected and published in book form. "Euler's Letters to a German Princess" demonstrate his remarkable ability to communicate science in accessible language and became popular in Europe and the United States.

Frederick, one of the most brilliant monarchs of the Enlightenment, was cultured, sophisticated, tireless, an excellent administrator, and one of the greatest generals of his time. His conquests expanded the kingdom, elevating Prussia to the status of one of the world's leading powers. In addition, he gathered in Berlin many of the best minds in science, art, and culture of his time.

The French philosopher, historian, and writer Voltaire held a prestigious position in Frederick's court, who appreciated the Frenchman's eloquence and wit. Euler was the opposite: simple, religious, poorly informed outside of mathematics, he never questioned the norms and engaged in discussions on topics he knew little about, which exposed him to ridicule.

The king was especially disappointed by the mathematician's lack of practical skills. "I wanted a fountain and asked Euler to calculate the force of the wheels needed to lift the water to the reservoir. The device was geometrically designed and couldn't lift even a drop of water. Vanity of vanities! Vanity of geometry!"

To read the full text, visit the newspaper's website.