Jérôme Lalande et le Canal du Midi : un savant au service de son temps ?

Jérôme Lalande's 1778 work, Des canaux de navigation et spécialement du canal de Languedoc, challenges modern perceptions of interdisciplinary scholarship by blending astronomy, engineering, and history. As a renowned astronomer, Lalande uniquely combined scientific rigor with practical innovation, advocating for the Canal du Midi as both an engineering marvel and a cultural symbol. His approach, rooted in empirical observation and academic approval, reflects 18th-century Enlightenment ideals, where science served societal progress. This study highlights Lalande's dual role as a savant—bridging theoretical astronomy and applied engineering—to address navigation needs while preserving historical context.

Cotte, M. (2010). Jérôme Lalande et le Canal du Midi : un savant au service de son temps ? Jérôme Lalande, 171–182. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.pur.108632