Not Just the Tudors

Versailles: Science & Splendour

Feb 13, 2025
Matthew Howes, Associate Curator at the Science Museum in London, reveals the fascinating scientific advancements that took place at Versailles. Discover the palace as a hub of innovation, from groundbreaking surgeries to the infamous hot air balloon launch with live animals. Learn about the unique taxidermy of a rhinoceros and the intertwining of horticulture with royal power. The conversation also highlights the contributions of women in science and the promotion of medical practices that shaped 18th-century France.
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INSIGHT

Versailles' Role

  • Louis XIV established Versailles as the center of the French court in 1682.
  • He and his successors resided there until the French Revolution in 1789.
INSIGHT

Gardens of Power

  • The gardens at Versailles were designed to showcase Louis XIV's power.
  • They used perspective and optical illusions, with sight lines extending from the king's bedchamber.
ANECDOTE

Waterworks Wonders

  • The fountains at Versailles required innovative hydraulic engineering.
  • The Marley machine pumped water uphill from the Seine, although not efficiently enough for constant flow.
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