Our one-day conference investigates the central role played, in the life and work of Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), by the description, calculation and analysis of sites or places (topoi). Active for many years in Saint Petersburg and Berlin and fluent in at least three languages, Euler was no stranger to changes in location and to the negotiation of different cultural and scientific contexts and their respective rhetorical, cultural, and scientific conventions. However, Euler's more specifically scientific activity in mathematics, astronomy, geometry, engineering and philosophy is also linked, in more ways than one, to the problem of topoi and their notation. Not only is his solution to the problem of the "Seven Bridges of Königsberg" considered one of the early foundations of mathematical topology, he also devoted much energy to ship building and navigation.

During his stay at the Petersburg Academy, Euler carried out important work in cartography, which he blamed for contributing to his failing eyesight. Finally, many of the letters Euler wrote to the Princess of Anhalt-Dessau can be considered topoi in a more literary sense: they are reworkings of more or less traditional (scientific) sites and materials, building blocks for a comprehensive topology of culture founded on exact science and the ideals of the Enlightenment.

The Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB) is located next to the Events Center, off Ocean Road. Park in lot 27 or 21 in a “C” space. Parking permits must be displayed at all times and may be purchased from permit dispensers located in every parking lot; permits are payable by Visa, MasterCard, student Access card or cash.

Click here for a map to HSSB.