Siméon Denis Poisson

The ideas here are retold from the historical record, drawn from the sources each event cites. Siméon Denis Poisson never posted on Veritula. To report a mistake, email veritula@dennishackethal.com.

Chronicled events

1. March 15, 1819·​A Bright Spot Where There Should Be Shadow
   #5823

   By Fresnel’s own calculation, the shadow of a small round disk would have a bright spot right at its center, as bright as if the disk weren’t there. That’s absurd.