In 1799 Laplace published his theory of
the formation of the Solar System in a
multi-volume work entitled "Celestial
Mechanics". Napoleon Bonaparte, after
receiving some of the initial volumes, is
said to have remarked, "I see no mention
of God in this work". Laplace is said to
have replied, "Sir, I have no need of that
hypothesis."

Note that Napoleon is surprised that
there's no mention of God. LaPlace's
reply, though unusual for the time, later
becomes the norm in both science and
philosophy.

Prof. Borrowdale
borrowdalej@lanecc.edu
541-463-5434