The Palace of Versailles in France isn’t just about beauty and luxury; it’s a triumph of engineering and science from the 17th century. One fascinating example is a special machine that transported water from the Seine River uphill to supply the palace’s stunning fountains and ponds.
This impressive machine was created under King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King. While Versailles is famous for its grandeur, it was also a center for scientific progress. A new exhibition at the Science Museum in London titled “Versailles: Science and Splendor” explores this historical blend of art and science.
Glyn Morgan, who leads the museum’s exhibitions, explains that the show reveals how deeply rooted science was in the daily life of the palace. The monarchy, with its vast wealth, supported scientific exploration and initiated groundbreaking institutions.
The exhibition covers the reigns of three kings: Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, showcasing over 120 artifacts that highlight the royal court’s fascination with science and the arts. Items include medical instruments and educational tools used to combat high infant mortality rates.
For instance, Madame du Coudray was a pioneering midwife hired by Louis XV to improve childbirth practices. She trained over 5,000 midwives across France using realistic life-sized mannequins—a crucial step towards better maternal care.
After Louis XV’s death, his successor, Louis XVI, promoted vaccination among the royal family, using posters to inform the public about its success.
Versailles was also a place of exploration in nature. Botanists cultivated exotic plants, and a menagerie housed a variety of animals, including a famous rhinoceros. This animal was brought to the palace as a gift and became a significant part of zoological studies after its death, as it was carefully dissected and preserved for research.
Visitors to the Science Museum can view the skin of this rhinoceros, which is described as impressively dark. Morgan mentions that this display is vital for understanding past zoological knowledge.
The exhibition also features Emilie du Châtelet’s translation of Newton’s Principia Mathematica, the exquisite watch designed for Marie Antoinette, and the first scientific map of the moon created by Jean-Dominique Cassini in 1679. Although the French Revolution disrupted the court, the scientific advances made during this period have endured.
Ian Blatchford, director of the Science Museum, says, “Versailles combined royal ambition, scientific innovation, and artistic beauty, leading to remarkable achievements.” The exhibition is a chance to explore these intertwined histories.
The exhibit, “Versailles: Science and Splendor”, will be available at the Science Museum in London until April 21, 2025.
