The Quest for the True Figure of the Earth: Ideas and Expeditions in Four Centuries of Geodesy

Two expeditions from Paris in the 1730s aimed to determine the Earth's shape by measuring latitude variation. Their primary objectives were scientific, not utilitarian, and they hoped to prove Isaac Newton's prediction that the Earth is not a perfect sphere. This study explores the Figure of the Earth controversy, which represents a unique combination of theoretical prediction and empirical method and highlights the sacrifices of the two teams of scientists in different climates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Two remarkable expeditions departed from Paris in the 1730s, each embarking on an extraordinary journey. The first expedition aimed to explore the equatorial region of Peru, while the second expedition set its course northward toward the Arctic Circle. While numerous expeditions occurred during the eighteenth century, these two were distinct in their objectives. Rather than seeking new lands to conquer or valuable minerals to exploit, their primary focus was scientific. Their mission was to determine the precise shape of the Earth by meticulously measuring the variation of a degree of latitude at points separated by as much as possible by a whole quadrant of the globe, spanning from the Equator to the North Pole.

While the pursuit of such knowledge had practical implications for navigation and cartography, the motivation behind these expeditions went beyond mere utility. They were part of an intellectual revolution that saw profound advancements in mathematics coinciding with philosophical debates and the reputations of both living and deceased individuals being shaped. In particular, the expeditions aimed to verify Isaac Newton's prediction that the Earth was not a perfect sphere but flattened at the poles.

This study delves into the Figure of the Earth controversy in its entirety, providing a comprehensive exploration of its various aspects. It highlights how a largely overlooked episode of European science, despite yielding no remarkable process or artifact, stands as a remarkable example of theoretical prediction and empirical methodology. It also sheds light on the hardships endured by the two teams of scientists, who faced extreme climates in different parts of the world, as they dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge rather than colonial gains. Their sacrifices, which captured the imagination of the literary world of the time, are recounted in detail.

The first expedition, led by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Jr., departed from Paris in 1732. The team consisted of scientists, artists, and soldiers, and their mission was to map the Amazon River and its tributaries. They encountered numerous challenges, including treacherous terrain, hostile native populations, and disease. Despite these obstacles, Cavelier and his team persevered, and their efforts resulted in the publication of a comprehensive map of the region, which became a valuable resource for future explorers.

The second expedition, led by British explorer James Cook, departed from London in 1772. Cook's team consisted of scientists, artists, and sailors, and their mission was to explore the North Pacific Ocean and the Arctic region. They encountered freezing temperatures, treacherous ice fields, and hostile native populations. Cook's expedition was particularly notable for its scientific discoveries, including the identification of the Hawaiian Islands and the realization that the Earth was not flat at the poles but rather curved.

The Figure of the Earth controversy played a significant role in shaping the scientific understanding of the Earth in the eighteenth century. The expeditions of Cavelier and Cook provided valuable data that challenged the prevailing belief that the Earth was a perfect sphere and helped to establish the concept of a flattened Earth at the poles. This knowledge not only improved navigation and cartography but also had broader philosophical implications, as it challenged the idea of a divinely created universe and paved the way for the development of modern scientific theories.

In conclusion, the expeditions of Cavelier and Cook in the 1730s were extraordinary journeys that set the stage for a significant intellectual revolution in the eighteenth century. Their primary objective was scientific, to determine the precise shape of the Earth by measuring the variation of a degree of latitude at points separated by as much as possible by a whole quadrant of the globe. These expeditions were motivated by a desire to verify Isaac Newton's prediction that the Earth was not a perfect sphere but flattened at the poles. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, the teams of scientists persevered, and their efforts resulted in valuable scientific discoveries and a deeper understanding of the Earth's structure. The Figure of the Earth controversy played a crucial role in shaping the scientific understanding of the Earth and had broader philosophical implications, challenging the idea of a divinely created universe and paving the way for the development of modern scientific theories.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138277700