First Steps in Mathematics

The opportunity that changed the history of western mathematics was a consequence of a memorandum, the Consilium Aegyptiacum (1671–72) drawn up by Leibniz recommending that the European states undertake a new crusade against the Turks. Anticipating Napoleon, he proposes that France should take the lead by an invasion of Egypt. Leibniz's proposal was part of an effort to divert Louis XIV's destructive ambitions from Holland (and potentially Germany). Boineburg had already vaguely communicated the plan in correspondence with the French foreign minister, Simon Arnauld de Pomponne (1618–1699). Since there seemed to be some interest Leibniz was sent to Paris in March 1672 by Boineburg with the mission of formally presenting the Egyptian project at the French Court. A secondary goal was to secure a considerable amount of money in the form of property rents and pensions which the French owed Boineburg.¹ Evidently Leibniz's memorandum was not taken seriously, since Louis allied with Charles II of England, Sweden, and the Bishopric of Münster had declared war on April 6 and duely launched an invasion of on Holland in May, barely two months after Leibniz's arrival in Paris (as late as September Leibniz was even unable to meet Pomponne).² A further effort is made in November 1672 when Leibniz is joined by Boineburg's son-in-law and nephew of the Archbishop-Elector Melchior Friedrich von Schönborn (1644–1717) who was carrying a proposal for a Peace Conference in Cologne. This too was ignored by the French and the war continued until 1678.³ But at least these diplomatic disappointments allowed Leibniz to spend the next four years in Paris, then the culturally most developed city in Europe, with relatively few demands put on his time by the authorities in Mainz.⁴…