arXiv:1406.7417math.HO
Euler and the German Princess
Abstract
In 1760, Leonhard Euler began to write beautiful Letters to a German Princess on Diverse Subjects of Physics and Philosophy. Much has been written about Euler and his work, but we wonder, who was the princess? How did she become involved with the greatest mathematician of her time? The princess was a fifteen year old named Friederike Charlotte von Brandenburg-Schwedt. In this article we explore her story and the nature of the letters.
There's a paper that touches on the question https://arxiv.org/abs/1406.7417v1 and fails to give a definitive answer, but a formal arrangement to prepare her for her role as princess-abbess in Herford seems likely.
yorwbaView on HNParent context
No. Why do you think he was required to verbally bow and scrape? The sample letters here show nothing more than ornate politeness. His brilliance was known in his own time and he was respected and established at court. Whether he saw advantage in this connection for financial…
mellosoulsView on HNParent context