Leonhard Euler
Leonhard Euler (April 15, 1707 - September 18, 1783) was a Swiss mathematician and physicist, widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential scientists of all time. He made fundamental contributions to geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, number theory, optics, and mechanics. Euler introduced much of the modern mathematical notation, such as \(e\) for the base of the natural logarithm, \(i\) for the imaginary unit, and the famous identity \(e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0\). He also pioneered graph theory by solving the Bridges of Königsberg problem. Despite going blind later in life, he continued to produce an extraordinary volume of scientific work, securing his place as a central figure in the history of mathematics.
Quotes
- Mathematicians have tried in vain to this day to discover some order in the sequence of prime numbers, and we have reason to believe that it is a mystery into which the human mind will never penetrate.
- For since the fabric of the universe is most perfect, (...), nothing whatsoever takes place in the universe in which some relation of maximum and minimum does not appear.
- To those who ask what the infinitely small quantity in mathematics is, we answer that it is actually zero. Hence there are not so many mysteries hidden in this concept as they are usually believed to be.