SUMMARY
The forum discussion centers on the search for Pierre-Simon Laplace's "Mécanique Céleste," specifically the availability of its five volumes in English translation. Users identified that volumes one and five are accessible on Google Books, while the Nathaniel Bowditch translation is available in four volumes on Archive.org. The discussion highlights the potential existence of a five-volume English version that includes the original French text, although specific details about the translator remain unclear. Users express frustration over the difficulty in locating the third and fourth volumes.
PREREQUISITES
- Familiarity with Pierre-Simon Laplace's contributions to celestial mechanics.
- Understanding of the historical context of scientific literature translation.
- Knowledge of digital library resources like Archive.org.
- Basic research skills for locating academic texts online.
NEXT STEPS
- Explore Archive.org for the Nathaniel Bowditch translation of "Mécanique Céleste."
- Research the historical significance of Laplace's work in celestial mechanics.
- Investigate the availability of the five-volume English version mentioned on Wikipedia.
- Look into other translations of Laplace's works for comparative analysis.
USEFUL FOR
This discussion is beneficial for historians of science, students of astronomy, and researchers seeking comprehensive resources on celestial mechanics and Laplace's contributions.