Émilie de Châtelet

Émilie de Châtelet (1706-1749) was a French mathematician, physicist, and writer, known for her work in the early Enlightenment period. She is best recognized for her translation and commentary on Isaac Newton's "Principia," which made his theories more accessible. Châtelet contributed significantly to the understanding of energy, particularly with her formulation of kinetic energy. She challenged social norms, advocating for women's education and intellectual participation. Her legacy highlights the contributions of women in science, often overshadowed in history, and her insights remain relevant in physics and philosophy today.