Do we live in the best of all possible worlds? Émilie du Châtelet thought so, and set out to prove it with empirical evidence three hundred years ago. Raised at the lavish court of Louis XIV, she stood out like a sore thumb: while the women around her were glamorous, graceful and illiterate, she was clunky, fierce, and bookish. The story of her world-changing contribution to science is as delightful as it is surprising: part frilly courtier, part mad-scientist, she fed her voracious appetite for books by sword-fighting and card-counting at Versailles. In this episode, visit the country chateau where she and her lover, Voltaire, became famous for living their best life. Interview with guest Madame Contesse de Salignac Fenelon recorded on location at Chateau Cirey in Cirey-sur-Blaise, France. Émilie du Châtelet voiced by Emily Wadley. Music featured in this episode included: “Cello Suite One in G Prelude” by JS Bach performed by John Michel, “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by the Wichita State University Chamber Players, “Monsieur’s Almain from the Manc” by Phillip Serna, “Brandenberg Concerto No 3 Allegro” by JS Bach performed by Advent Chamber Orchestra, “Andante from Italian Concerto, BWV 971″ by JS Bach performed by Catrin Finch. Want to help us “make history”? Become a Patron or Donate here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices