Marie-Sophie Germain
Marie-Sophie Germain (April 1, 1776 - June 27, 1831), commonly known as Sophie Germain, was a French mathematician, and physicist who made fundamental contributions to number theory and elasticity. In mathematics, she is known for her work related to Fermat’s Last Theorem, particularly through the introduction of Sophie Germain primes, which play a key role in partial results of the theorem. In mathematical physics, she developed a pioneering theory of the vibration of elastic plates, laying important foundations for modern elasticity theory. Although largely self-taught and initially working under a pseudonym, her work was eventually recognized by leading scientists such as Gauss and the Paris Academy of Sciences.
Quotes
- Algebra is but written geometry and geometry is but figured algebra.
- It matters little who first arrives at an idea, rather what is significant is how far that idea can go.