The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 875: Chapter 10 France’s Minor Contribution_2

Just as Britain is experiencing a great scientific boom, the scientific community of France is also ushering in a dazzling golden age.

Although Britain, across the Channel, is far ahead of its adversary France in practical technology, unfortunately, since the death of Sir Isaac Newton, Britain has not produced a mathematician of significant influence in Europe for a long time.

In the field of mathematics, especially in the past half-century, the French mathematical community, led by Euler, Fourier, Laplace, Lagrange, and Legendre, has overpowered the entire Europe. Their dominance in mathematics is even more terrifying than Napoleon’s military superiority.

Just when Britain thought they could finally step up to challenge their old rivals after the passing of Euler, Fourier, and other senior French mathematicians, they were unpleasantly surprised to find that new talents like Cauchy and Poisson had emerged from the corners of France.

France’s stronghold in mathematics also naturally enabled them to make rapid advancements in closely related fields such as astronomy and mechanics.

French astronomers and engineers have always been considered the best, and this is not an empty praise.

On one hand, the Royal Society laments the thick barrier that now stands between Britain and France in mathematics. On the other hand, the British scholars are pleased to see such splendid achievements on the other side of the Channel.

After all, the Royal Society is no longer in the era of Sir Isaac Newton, so most academic committee members are no longer so petty, nor are they interested in causing disputes like the Newton-Hooke conflict, or putting up posters to help the president gain the false title of the discoverer of calculus.

The Royal Society, now led by people like Faraday, fosters a relatively tolerant academic environment and inclusive spirit. If French colleagues achieve breakthrough successes, they are very willing to invite them to become foreign members of the Royal Society and are not stingy in awarding them the highest honor—the Copley Medal.

And this is precisely Arthur’s purpose in visiting the Royal Society today—he will represent the Royal Society in awarding the highest honor of the British scientific community to Augustin-Louis Cauchy, professor of mechanics at the University of Paris and member of the French Academy of Sciences.

Arthur stepped out of the hired carriage, and under the warm spring sunshine, everyone finally got a good look at this elegant gentleman from Britain.

To demonstrate solemnity, Arthur dressed particularly meticulously today.

He wore a well-cut black tailcoat, with every seam revealing the exquisite craftsmanship of the tailor. A refined brooch was pinned at the neckline of the tailcoat, radiating a subtle and luxurious glow.

His shirt was made of fine linen, pure white and flawless, with the collar and cuffs embroidered with exquisite lace, striving to showcase Britain’s meticulous academic attitude to his French counterparts.

A silk tie was around his neck, intricately and carefully tied, with every crease highlighting the rigorous recommendation of Mr. Disraeli, exuding elegance and confidence in every knot.

His breeches were deep gray, perfectly matching the tailcoat, with the legs straight and long, displaying a straight and upright posture reminiscent of his days at Scotland Yard.

On his feet were a pair of polished boots, soft and shiny, with a crisp sound accompanying every step. He wore a pair of exquisite long socks above the boots, matching the color of the breeches, highlighting his taste in every detail.

His hairstyle was neat, with a fashionable side part, meticulously groomed with wax. His face always wore a gentle smile, and his eyes radiated wisdom and composure. He held an exquisite cane, topped with a golden button, both a walking aid and a symbol of status.

Arthur took a few steps, looked up at the sun, and then took out a golden pocket watch to check if the appointed time had arrived.

In the sunlight, the shining watch chain passed through the vest pocket, hanging slightly and gently swaying with his steps. On his finger was a silver ring inlaid with an emerald, sparkling in the sunlight, adding a touch of mystery and nobility.

Not long after Arthur got off the carriage, someone from the French Academy of Sciences noticed this distinguished gentleman. Perhaps it was mutual appreciation or shared interests, but the French have always been adept at identifying an Englishman from a crowd.

The waiting French gentleman stepped forward and asked, “Excuse me, are you Sir Arthur Hastings? Have you been sent by the Royal Society?”

Arthur raised his head, gave the young gentleman a slight nod, extended his hand, and said, “Yes, I am here on behalf of the Royal Society. Mr. Cauchy’s research has received unanimous praise from the British scientific community, and we believe he deserves this year’s Copley Medal. I have already entrusted our embassy in France to inform your academy yesterday. Would you be so kind as to take me to see Mr. Cauchy? I assure you, the award ceremony will not take long and will not disturb Mr. Cauchy’s research.”

The French gentleman was pleasantly surprised to see the British lord being so humble. But he could not have guessed that Arthur was not being polite; he simply did not want to stay too long among people who could explain various terms and formulas in ‘higher mathematics’.

Or, to put it more bluntly, the former Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Greater London Police Department feared making a fool of himself.

“Oh, Sir Hastings, if Mr. Cauchy were here, it would be no trouble for me to take you to him. But…”

Arthur raised his eyebrows and asked, “You mean to say Mr. Cauchy is not at the academy? I thought he was only in his forties? Is he planning to retire early and enjoy life?”

The gentleman, somewhat embarrassed, shook his head and said, “No, no, you misunderstand. Mr. Cauchy still has a deep passion for natural philosophy research, spending a great deal of time on it every day. He… well, to be frank, he just doesn’t want to work at the academy anymore.”

Arthur frowned and asked, “Why? Is he dissatisfied with the salary?”

The gentleman shook his head, “No, we actually provide quite a decent salary for Mr. Cauchy, and for someone at his level, money is no longer the primary issue. The main reason for Mr. Cauchy’s departure was the July Revolution of 1830. To be precise, he is a Royalist, a staunch supporter of the Bourbon Dynasty, and he refuses to do any research work for our new King or even stay in France.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur felt both relieved and troubled by the complexity of the situation.

He asked, “In that case, do you know where Mr. Cauchy is now?”

“Hmm…”

The gentleman responded, “As far as I know, after Mr. Cauchy left France early last year, he initially went to the Apennines and served as a professor of mathematical physics at the University of Turin for a period of time. Later, I heard that the exiled Bourbon Dynasty appointed him as the tutor to the ‘Crown Prince,’ Duke of Bordeaux. So, Mr. Cauchy went to Prague. To commend his loyalty to the Bourbons, they apparently conferred on him the title of Baron of the French Bourbon Dynasty. However, you know, this title is currently illegal in France.”

Hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but rub his forehead, exclaiming, “My God! Do I have to make another trip to Prague?”

“Well, that might not be necessary.” The gentleman bowed slightly and said, “If you don’t mind, I could give you a tour of the academy while we wait for our committee members to arrive. Then we can have a meeting to discuss how to resolve this issue.”