Pierre Petit (engineer) facts for kids
Pierre Petit (born December 8, 1594 – died August 20, 1677) was a talented French scientist. He was an astronomer, a physicist, a mathematician, and even made scientific tools.
Who Was Pierre Petit?
Pierre Petit was born in a town called Montluçon in France. When he was older, he took over a local government job from his father. This job was called Contrôleur de l'élection, which meant he helped manage local elections and taxes.
Moving to Paris
In 1633, Pierre Petit decided to move to Paris. He wanted to focus all his time on science. In Paris, he joined a group of smart thinkers led by Marin Mersenne. He became friends with other famous scientists like Etienne Pascal, Blaise Pascal, and René Descartes.
Later, he also joined another important science group called the academy of Montmor. His work was recognized internationally when he became a member of The Royal Society in England on April 4, 1667. This was a big honor for scientists back then.
Working for the King
Pierre Petit also used his skills to help the kings of France. He worked for both King Louis XIII and King Louis XIV. He was a military engineer, which meant he helped design and build forts and other defenses for the army. He was also a geographer, helping to map out lands. Sometimes, he was even in charge of all the fortifications as a "Superintendent."
Pierre Petit passed away in Lagny-sur-Marne in 1677.
