Napoleon and Scientists

--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------

2006/06/03 09:55 Tonight

The famous Napoleon was a universally recognized military strategist. However, what is less known is that what Napoleon really valued were scientists. As one of the 145 supreme members of the French Academy of Sciences, he is a genuine scientist. Although most of his life was spent on military operations, he preferred to be in the company of science - he was always surrounded by mathematicians, chemists, and astronomers... Even when he was marching and fighting, he was enthusiastically discussing with scholars. There are even "difficulties" in scientific issues. "Dear academicians," Napoleon said, "let me ask you a question. Can you quarter a circle without a ruler and only a compass?" Because of Napoleon's profound attainments in mathematics, he and 11 Candidates competed for membership of the French Academy of Sciences, and were finally elected as academicians of the Department of Mathematics, joining the ranks of scientists. Napoleon was quite proud of this title. From now on, when he signed all orders and proclamations, he would write the title "Academician of the Academy of Sciences and Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Expedition". Napoleon, a military genius, was actually a mathematical genius and a world-recognized scientist. .

As a scientist, Napoleon understood the weight and value of science and technology. He made full use of his power to spare no effort to encourage inventions, promote new technologies, and promote the progress and development of science. For example, the cans we are familiar with today are the products of Napoleon's personal bounty. In 1809, engineer Gyugula Appel also received a bonus of 12,000 francs for this purpose. Napoleon also dared to break the boundaries of science and technology and cheered for foreign scientific and technological achievements. When British newspapers were still discussing whether vaccination with cowpox would be harmful to people, Napoleon called on the French to be vaccinated, and called Jean, the British doctor who invented cowpox, Accepted as heir. In December 1807, the British scientist Davy produced the metals potassium and sodium using electrolysis. Napoleon issued an order despite the fact that Britain and France were at war at the time: "In view of the outstanding achievements of the British scientist Davy in electrical research, a medal is awarded to him." Napoleon is also a close friend of scientists. When the two armies are fighting, he always keeps scientists in a safe zone and protected. He worked hard to help scientists in adversity, and when he learned that the Italian physicist Volta was in financial difficulty, he immediately funded 6,000 francs. Napoleon said: "Science has opened so many secrets and eliminated so many prejudices. In order for science to build greater merits for us, let us encourage science and love science." It is precisely because science and scientists have a special place in Napoleon's mind Therefore, when the anti-French allied forces came to the city in 1814 and the French soldiers were exhausted, and someone suggested that students from technical schools join the battle, Napoleon said: "I don't want to kill my old hen for the golden eggs." These words are still engraved on the city today. On the ceiling of the school’s large trapezoidal classroom.