![]() ![]() His Opera Omnia includes some 900 articles, many of great profundity, written in German, French and Latin. In 1911, scholars began publishing his collected works. His achievements cover an enormous range and underlie all major branches of mathematics. The vast body of mathematics owes more to Euler than to any other single person. King Frederick was most interested in military applications of science, and Euler had to undertake studies in ballistics, navigation, canal design and other practical tasks. His work there resulted in election to the Royal Society (London) and the Paris Academy. In 1741, as political conditions in Russia became threatening, Euler accepted an invitation from Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, to move to the Royal Academy in Berlin. Over a 14-year stay, he made many innovative advances in mathematics and mechanics. With little chance of a position in Switzerland, Euler accepted a post at the Imperial Academy in St Petersburg. Euler learned much from Bernoulli and was soon to outshine his brilliant mentor. He studied with Johann Bernoulli, one of shining stars in a dynasty of brilliant Swiss mathematicians. He is comforting proof that a neurotic personality is not essential for mathematical prowess.Įuler, born in Basel in 1707, showed early signs of genius. He was described by his contemporaries as a generous man, kind and loving to his 13 children and maintaining his good-natured disposition even after he became completely blind. It is true that some of the greatest fit this stereotype, but the incomparable Leonhard Euler is a refreshing counter-example. It is frequently claimed that a disproportionate number of mathematicians exhibit signs of autism and have significant difficulties with social interaction and everyday communication. Isaac Newton was decidedly unpleasant, secretive and resentful while Carl Friedrich Gauss, according to several biographies, was cold and austere, more likely to criticise than to praise.
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