The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 887: Revised: Chapter 14 The Differences between France and Britain_3

A large number of researchers from the French Academy of Sciences were appointed to teach at this school. Napoleon personally set the guidelines for student training at this university—promoting mathematics, physics, chemistry, and mapping techniques, particularly for artillery, engineering, road bridges, shipbuilding, military and civilian engineering, mining, and geography within technical public colleges.

During the grand military parade in 1804, students from the Paris Polytechnic School also participated in the inspection. Surprisingly, Napoleon personally ordered their procession to be placed immediately after the honor guards of the three services, but before all other military formations. When they passed by, Napoleon stepped forward to present the first graduate of the Class of 1804 with a flag embroidered with ‘For the Homeland, Science, and Honor’.

Such actions naturally greatly inspired the students and researchers at the school. From then on, ‘Homeland, Science, Honor’ naturally became their motto.

Napoleon’s respect and emphasis on science naturally garnered immense support and admiration from scientists. In 1814, when the coalition army approached the city, the entire faculty and student body of the Paris Polytechnic School volunteered to fight. However, Napoleon directly refused, candidly stating, ‘I do not wish to kill my old hen just to get a golden egg!’

Undoubtedly, Napoleon made a very wise decision, as many renowned names were among those who had volunteered to fight, including Gabriel Lamé, Emile Clapeyron, Auguste Comte, Nicolas Leonard Sadi Carnot, and Andre-Marie Ampere.

Nonetheless, Napoleon’s decision did not dampen the widespread support from the French scientific community. When Napoleon was first exiled, sighs could be heard all through the French Academy of Sciences. Upon hearing that Napoleon had escaped from exile and returned to France, these scientists openly expressed their renewed support and loyalty to the Emperor.

However, due to such support, when Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo and the Hundred Days Empire ended, many in the French Academy of Sciences were expelled because of their support for Napoleon.

When Monge, who had once served as both Navy Minister and Director of the Paris Polytechnic School, passed away, the authorities even forbade students from attending his funeral, leading them to form a group to visit the cemetery the next day to pay their respects to their teacher.

Nonetheless, it is evident from these incidents that French scientists were far more politically involved than their British counterparts. Many of them had been elected as MPs, some had held top positions in various Cabinet departments, and most remarkably, they were predominantly of commoner origin.

Although many British scientists had served as MPs as well, it was primarily because they were already nobles, thus naturally securing a seat in the House of Lords. As for those of commoner origin, the majority aimed to become respectable wealthy individuals, with only a few driven by passion, and none pursued scientific research with the intention of becoming politicians.

At least Arthur had never heard Faraday express a desire to enter politics. On the contrary, Faraday seemed very averse to being overly entangled with politics. He also opposed war, not wanting his research to be used for killing.

If it hadn’t been for Arthur’s persuasion, Faraday probably wouldn’t have accepted the annuity offered by the Cabinet. Moreover, when King William IV intended to knight Faraday during the coronation ceremony, he firmly declined.

This gentleman’s reply to the King’s messenger was simply a humble smile: “I am very grateful for His Majesty’s grace, but I am proud to be born a commoner and do not wish to become a noble.”

Arthur was contemplating these things when he suddenly heard a slight cough.

Arthur turned to see a French gentleman with a scholarly aura, supporting himself with a cane, with graying temples and wearing glasses. He asked, “How has Mr. Faraday been lately? I heard he has been working tirelessly, just as he did when I first met him years ago.”

Hearing the tone of the voice, Arthur immediately realized that this seemingly senior gentleman might be another renowned figure from the textbooks.

Arthur removed his hat in respect and said, “I’ve tried to persuade Mr. Faraday to take more rest, but you know how he is. Once he’s immersed in a subject, he can’t stop until he understands it. But God has left us too many mysteries, so his gears have never stopped turning since he entered the field of natural philosophy.”

The gentleman laughed heartily at these words and said, “Actually, I don’t entirely disapprove of his way of working. I’m just amazed that he suddenly turned to electromagnetism. After Sir Humphry Davy passed away, I thought he would continue his mentor’s legacy and collaborate with me in the field of chemical analysis. But unexpectedly, he made a sharp turn, leaving me quite taken aback.”

Arthur, hearing this, pondered for a moment, and then he seemed to recognize the gentleman.

With a smile, Arthur extended his hand and said, “I often heard Mr. Faraday mention you during my time in London. Both of you have very similar experiences, starting as apprentices and gradually developing your own research work. Mr. Faraday followed Sir Davy, and you followed your mentor, Mr. Berthollet. So your similar paths have made you both very empathetic towards each other. Am I right, Mr. Guy-Lussac?”