Biography:
Gabrielle Émilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil, marquise du Châtelet was born on December 17th, 1706 and passed away on September 10th 1749 during childbirth. She was a renowned writer, mathematician and translator of the 18th century. She was also famous for her 10 yearlong close relationship with the Philosopher Voltaire and their close literary collaboration. After the release of his arrest warrant, he hid at her residence in Lunéville where they worked together. She was also elected by the Sciences Academy of Bologna in 1746.
As a child she was taught sciences and literature, her father wanted her to have the same education as a man. It was only after her wedding and her separation that she went back to a very social and intellectual life in Paris. She started her studies of mathematics, with the help of a very prominent Mathematician at the time: Maupertuis. She also participated for a prize offered by the Academy of Sciences, and although she did not win, it led to the publication of her essay “Dissertation sur la nature et la propagation du feu” in 1744 by the Academy of Sciences.
Her biggest achievement was the translation from Latin to French of the book “Principia Mathematica” of Sir Isaac Newton. Due to her death in 1749, the publication of her works will be published posthumously by Voltaire in 1759.
Here are scans of some works mentioned: