Status Updates From La Dame d'Esprit: A Biograp...

Man, the last bit is sad, I expected it and still...

Devaux reported to Graffigny that, given Du Châtelet's and Bouffleurs's flirtations with Saint-Lambert, he could not understand how the three of them were so friendly.

Ahhh, 18th century France...

This whole book is an absolutely WILD ride, holy shit

[Mme de Tencin] made no secret of her distaste for [Voltaire's] impiety, despite the irreligious acts of her own youth, including escape from a convent, numerous affairs, and an illegitimate son (who was raised by his father, given the name d'Alembert, and grew up to be a mathematician and editor of the Encyclopédie).

I wanted to finish it today but I keep finding shit like this that just HAS to be shared

It's so nice to read about her finally getting some recognition as a philosophe for her works and her acceptance into the Bologna Academy.

But still not over how much of a dick (publicly 😡) was her bf to her when they disagreed about physics. Asshole.

18th c science was wild.

Also, I love how clearly this book explains and provides commentary to Émilie's arguments.

[Émilie] later confided to Mme de Graffigny that she had made the decision [to write her own essay on fire] at the last minute, for she began to write only two weeks before the submission deadline.

Iconic. I love her so much.

Every once in a while the author just goes and mercilessly roasts Voltaire and it never gets old lmao

I love their dynamic so much. It's such a shame the letters are lost.

This just got into properly juicy territory, and I am HERE for it 🍿

Oooh, brief mentions of mathematician drama 🍿🍿🍿

She did not argue with the Aristotelian description of women's temperament as cool and moist, but merely noted that she was different: her hot and thus masculine temperament meant that she could pursue a life beyond that of wife and mother.

Proof that "not like other girls" is not a new phenomenon 😂

Decided to go for a history palate cleanser before the next batch of Bingo books