Charles Dupin (1784–1873) and His Influence on France: The Contri ...

Chapter 3

Dupin’s Work and Contributions in His Early Years

3.1. Dupin’s Publications

The diversity of Dupin’s writings bears witness to the breadth and depth of his interests (see primary bibliography). Indeed, it is difficult ‘to determine where the “real” Dupin is, beyond the kaleidoscope of his many activities’ (Fox 2009, 7).¹ Apart from all of his scientific and mathematical achievements, he had a profound knowledge of literature and a level of proficiency in Ancient Greek (see chapter 5). Such eclecticism is quite a rarity in the modern days of specialization, but this was not the case in the past. Dupin’s friend, the great engineer Gaspard de Prony (see Bradley 1998), for instance, wrote music and poetry with which he and his very musical wife provided entertainment for their guests.