1637 in History

Descartes connects algebra and geometry in ways that strongly influence later mathematical analysis.

Monck fought in the attack that captured an important hornwork outside Breda.

Frederick Henry accepted Breda's capitulation and allowed the garrison an honourable withdrawal.

Serves with Prince Frederick Henry of Orange, in George Moncks company

Henry Casimir captured outer works that exposed Breda's inner defences to further attack.

Descartes presents thought itself as evidence of the thinker's existence.

Monck helped repel Spanish attempts to disrupt Dutch mining and approach works.

Descartes publishes the Discourse on the Method in French with three accompanying scientific essays.

Elected Member of Tables, a comittee set up to represent religious grievances

Descartes gives a mathematical treatment of refraction in his published work on optics.

The Discourse presents disciplined doubt as a means of seeking secure foundations for knowledge.

Fourdin requested honourable surrender terms after the Dutch captured key outer positions.

Frederick Henry opened the Dutch siege intended to recover Breda from Spanish control.

Fourdin led the Spanish garrison out with flags and drums under the surrender terms.

Henry Casimir led an unsuccessful cavalry attempt to surprise Breda before the formal siege.

The Dioptrics presents Descartes's account of light, vision, lenses and refraction.

The Geometry demonstrates how algebraic equations can be used to solve geometrical problems.

The Meteorology applies mechanical explanations to rainbows, clouds, winds and other atmospheric phenomena.

Death of Ferdinand II