Photo : Archives Maison d'Auguste Comte
Lecture: "Maximilien Marie: The Complete Works" by Françoise Decoursier-Sandoz at the Maison d'Auguste Comte
Lecture on the brother of Clotilde de Vaux and former mayor of Châtillon, Maximilien Marie.
Maison d'Auguste Comte (Paris 6th)
About
Lecture:
Complete works of Maximilien MARIE, younger brother of Clotilde de Vaux, Polytechnicien, mathematician, thinker, and mayor of Châtillon. 1819-1891
By Françoise Decoursier-Sandoz, lecturer
A remarkable and controversial figure in the mathematical sphere of his time, Maximilien MARIE, a graduate of the École Polytechnique, scientific mind, and historian, displays a picturesque career worth noting. Various portraits will present him through the prism of his singular family origins, his studies and early ties with Comte, his contributions to Larousse, his phenomenal production regarding the history of mathematics, and more. The lecture will address the undeniable major role held by the younger brother of Clotilde de Vaux, the muse of the master of positivism. Finally, it will reveal the commitment of the official, mayor of Châtillon. A plural perspective!
Our take on this event
Forget the textbook definitions and discover the colorful life of a 19th-century polymath who balanced complex geometry with the realities of being a small-town mayor. This insightful lecture sheds light on a truly multifaceted figure whose shadow looms larger over history than most people realize.
Discover the complex life of Maximilien Marie during an exclusive lecture at the Maison d'Auguste Comte on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. From 19:00 to 20:30, speaker Françoise Decoursier-Sandoz explores the trajectory of this mathematician, polytechnicien, and former mayor of Châtillon. Known as a controversial yet brilliant figure of the 19th century, Marie was closely linked to Clotilde de Vaux, the muse of Auguste Comte. This event is free of charge and offers an insightful look into the intellectual and political history of the era. Join us in the 6th arrondissement for a deep dive into the achievements of a man who shaped his own time through science and public service.
The Maison d'Auguste Comte hosts a special lecture on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, dedicated to the complete biography of Maximilien Marie (1819-1891). Speaker Françoise Decoursier-Sandoz invites the audience to examine the career of this multifaceted thinker, a graduate of the École Polytechnique who left a lasting mark on the history of mathematics and served as the mayor of Châtillon.
The presentation covers various aspects of Marie's life, from his family background and early associations with Auguste Comte to his significant contributions to the Larousse encyclopedia. The speaker will also highlight his role as the younger brother of Clotilde de Vaux, the famous muse of the father of positivism. This comprehensive overview provides a unique perspective on a figure whose professional and personal connections were as notable as his academic outputs.
The session takes place from 19:00 to 20:30 at 10, rue Monsieur-le-Prince in the 6th arrondissement. Attendance is free for all, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the historical and scientific legacy of this remarkable individual.
