Algebra and Geometry
Descartes connects algebra and geometry in ways that strongly influence later mathematical analysis.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1637 in France
Explore 19 historical events and records for France in 1637.
Historical records for France in 1637
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 19 of 19 unique records.
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June
Cogito Ergo Sum
Descartes presents thought itself as evidence of the thinker's existence.
Discourse on the Method
Descartes publishes the Discourse on the Method in French with three accompanying scientific essays.
Law of Refraction
Descartes gives a mathematical treatment of refraction in his published work on optics.
Methodical Doubt
The Discourse presents disciplined doubt as a means of seeking secure foundations for knowledge.
The Dioptrics
The Dioptrics presents Descartes's account of light, vision, lenses and refraction.
The Geometry
The Geometry demonstrates how algebraic equations can be used to solve geometrical problems.
The Meteorology
The Meteorology applies mechanical explanations to rainbows, clouds, winds and other atmospheric phenomena.
Other events (month unknown)
Cartesian Coordinate Geometry
Establishes analytic geometry through coordinates and symbolic algebra.
Descartes Explains Cogito Through Self Reflection
Descartes argued that the act of doubting cannot eliminate the existence of the thinker performing it. The insight gave his philosophical reconstruction a starting point resistant to skeptical challenge.
Descartes Explains Rainbow Through Refraction
In Meteorology Descartes used optical reasoning to account for the appearance and geometry of the rainbow. The discussion exemplified his preference for mechanical models over traditional qualitative explanations.
Descartes Formulates Four Methodological Rules
In the Discourse Descartes recommended clear evidence, division of difficulties, ordered reasoning and comprehensive review. The rules provided a public summary of his proposed discipline of inquiry.
Descartes Interprets Sight Through Physical Optics
In Dioptrics Descartes connected the transmission of light with the workings of the eye. His treatment linked mathematical optics to an account of how bodies produce visual experience.
Descartes Presents Algebraic Representation Of Curves
In Geometry Descartes connected curves and equations within a general mathematical method. The work helped establish techniques that became fundamental to analytic geometry.
Fermats Last Theorem
Writes the famous claim concerning powers greater than two.
Invasion of Catalonia
French troops invade Catalonia
La Geometrie
Publishes a method connecting algebraic equations with geometric curves.
Marginal Number Theory Conjecture
Creates a number-theory problem that remains unresolved for centuries.
Rule of Valtelline
The French surrender their hold on Valtelline to the Spanish
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.