Gabrielle-Emilie Chatelet (1706-1749) played a major role in the scientific revolution of the eighteenth century. By popularizing the theories of Isaac Newton she brought them more widespread acceptance in Europe, where most people still followed the ideas of Rene Descartes. Chatelet's scientific contribution has been largely overshadowed by her relationship with the philosopher Voltaire.

Born Gabrielle-Emilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil in Paris on December 17, 1706 into an aristocratic family, she received an exceptional education at home, which included scientific, musical, and literary studies. In 1725, she married the marquis du Chatelet, who was also the count of Lomont. It was a marriage of convenience, but she nevertheless had three children with him. After spending some years with her husband, whose political and military career kept him away from Paris, the marquise du Chatelet returned to the capital in 1730.

Initially leading a busy social life, Chatelet became the lover of the...