Letter 2
Letter from Turgot to Euler
October 1775
Synopsis: France’s need for first class military educational material. Turgot’s request to Euler for publication rights to Ships and Artillery.
Sir,
During the time of my appointment at the Department of the Navy, I thought that there was nothing that I could do of greater advantage for the education of young students raised in the naval and artillery schools, than to provide them with the works that you have written on these two mathematical topics. As a result of this, I have proposed to the King to have printed by his orders your "Treatise on the Construction and Steering of Ships" and a French translation of your "Commentary on the Principles of Artillery" by Robins. Had I been in closer contact with you, I would have asked for your permission prior to having disposed of these works which belong to you. However,, I thought that you would be well remunerated for the proprietary content by a sign of the King’s favor. His Majesty has authorized me to indemnify you with a payment of one thousand roubles, which he requests that you accepts as a token of his esteem he has for your work and which you so justly deserve. At this time I am overjoyed by being the bearer of such news, and to seize , with a true pleasure, this opportunity to express that which I have thought for a very long time, for a great man who honors humanity with his genius and science with his style.
PS Already some time has passed since M. le Marquis de Condorcet who assumed responsibility for the publication of your two works, has informed you of the King’s favor. You might have been surprised not having heard any news directly from me. However, having moved from the Ministry of the Navy to that of Finance, the King’s letter was misplaced and it is only today that I repair this oversight.
Translated from the French
by J.S.D.Glaus
