D'Alembert versus Euler on the precession of the equinoxes and the mechanics of rigid bodies (Q1090320)

The precessional motion of rigid bodies possessing a bulge was explained mathematically by Euler and d'Alembert, after Newton's attempt to do it had turned out not to be rigorous at all. Euler's experiments on floating bodies inspired him to resolve rotational motions into components about mutually perpendicular axes. This knowledge gave him a clear insight into the problem. The author shows that Euler's influence on d'Alembert has so far remained without due acknowledgement.