first collected edition. 'In astronomy, Pierre de Maupertuis contributed to the understanding and diffusion of Isaac Newton's theory in France and in continental Europe. He arranged for, and participated in, measurements to ascertain the shape of the Earth. In physics, Maupertuis was the first to formulate the least-action principle'—BEA, page 747. DSB IX, 186-89; Houzeau & Lancaster 3481.
