In 1670, French vicar Gabriel Mouton proposed a decimal-based system of measurement, advocating for a more logical and standardized approach to quantification. His proposal aimed to simplify measurements and improve scientific communication, reflecting the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and rationality. Mouton's ideas laid the groundwork for later developments in the metric system, which would become widely adopted in the 19th century. His contributions highlight the ongoing quest for precision and clarity in scientific and mathematical practices.

Gabriel Mouton's metric proposal in 1670 contributed to the rationalist ideas permeating 17th-century literature. This emphasis on order and science influenced poets to adopt structured forms and logical reasoning in their works, reflecting the Enlightenment's impact on literary expression.