1718 in science explained

This is a list of significant events that occurred in the year 1718 in science.

Astronomy

• Edmond Halley discovers the proper motion of stars.^[1]

Chemistry

• Étienne François Geoffroy presents the first ever table of chemical affinity (based on displacement reactions) to the French Academy of Sciences.

Mathematics

• Abraham de Moivre publishes The Doctrine of Chances: a method of calculating the probabilities of events in play in English, which goes through several editions.^{[2] [3]}

Medicine

• The Charitable Infirmary, Dublin, is founded by six surgeons in Ireland, the first public voluntary hospital in the British Isles.^{[4] [5]}

Technology

• May 15 – James Puckle patents the Puckle Gun, in England.^[6]

Births

• May 16 – Maria Gaetana Agnesi, Italian mathematician (died 1799)
• May 23 – William Hunter, Scottish anatomist (died 1783)
• August 17 – Francis Willis, English physician specialising in mental disorders (died 1807)
• Salomée Halpir (née Rusiecki), Lithuanian physician (died after 1763)

Deaths

• March 11 – Guy-Crescent Fagon, French physician and botanist (born 1638)
• April – James Petiver, English naturalist and apothecary (born c. 1665)
• December 9 – Vincenzo Coronelli, Italian cartographer and encyclopedist (born 1650)
• December 11 – Pierre Dionis, French surgeon and anatomist (born 1643)

Notes and References

1. Book: Ellyard, David. Who Discovered What When. Sydney. Hew Holland. 2005. 978-1-877069-22-2. registration.
2. The Doctrine of Chances
3. Book: Crilly, Tony. 50 Mathematical Ideas you really need to know. London. Quercus. 2007. 978-1-84724-008-8. 132.
4. Book: Widdess, J. D. H.. The Charitable Infirmary, Jervis Street, Dublin, 1718–1968. Dublin. 1968.
5. Book: O'Brien, Eoin. The Charitable Infirmary, Jervis Street, 1718-1987: a farewell tribute. Monkstown. Anniversary Press. 1987. 1870940016 .
6. Book: Penguin Pocket On This Day. Penguin Reference Library. 0-14-102715-0. 2006.