L. 171. i.e. by mathematics and poetry, that is by reason and imagination combined..
Euler was a Swiss geometrician (1707-83) who made great contributions to mathematics and mechanics.
Délos. Tradition says that Delos in the Aegean Sea was once a wandering island, and that Zeus fastened it down that it might be a home for Latona, who was about to give birth to Apollo and Diana.
Leibniz (English Leibnitz), the German mathematician, chemist, and philosopher (1646-1716).
Fulton, the American inventor (1765-1815), who was one of the first mechanicians to construct a steamboat.
Képler. The German Kepler (1571-1630) was one of the founders of modern astronomy.
These three men are chosen as typical embodiments of the spirit of progress.
Simoun. See note on PLEINE MER.
mistral. In the South of France the north-east wind is so called.
Sous le renversement de l'urne. The urn is the symbol of that 'Fatalité' which to Hugo was the dark shadow over human life. Cf. LA TROMPETTE,