Pierre Petit
French astronomer, military engineer, and physicist
About Pierre Petit
Lived 1594 – 1677 (aged 82). Pierre Petit was a French astronomer, physicist, mathematician, engineer, geographer and cartographer.
Pierre Petit (8 December 1594 – 20 August 1677) was a French astronomer, physicist, mathematician and instrument maker.
Petit was born in Montluçon, Bourbonnais, France. He succeeded his father in his municipal office (Contrôleur de l'élection), but went to Paris in 1633 to dedicate himself to the sciences. He was a member of the circle around Marin Mersenne, and knew Etienne Pascal, Blaise Pascal, and René Descartes. Later he was a member of the academy of Montmor. On 4 April 1667 he became a fellow of The Royal Society.
He also served as a military engineer and geographer to Louis XIII and Louis XIV, in roles such as Superintendent of Fortifications.
He died in Lagny-sur-Marne in 1677.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Pierre Petit?
French astronomer, military engineer, and physicist
When was Pierre Petit born?
Pierre Petit was born on 8 December 1594 in Montluçon.
When did Pierre Petit die?
Pierre Petit died on 20 August 1677 in Lagny-sur-Marne.
What was Pierre Petit's occupation?
Pierre Petit was an astronomer, physicist, mathematician, engineer, geographer and cartographer.
What nationality was Pierre Petit?
Pierre Petit was French.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Pierre Petit (engineer)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Pierre Petit. https://biography.guide/pierre-petit-astronomer/
MLA: "Pierre Petit." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/pierre-petit-astronomer/.
Chicago: "Pierre Petit." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/pierre-petit-astronomer/.
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