Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier
Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier (March 21, 1768 - May 16, 1830) was a French mathematician and physicist whose contributions transformed mathematical analysis and mathematical physics. He is best known for introducing Fourier series, which represent periodic functions as sums of sines and cosines, a fundamental tool for studying heat conduction, waves, and signals. In his work Théorie analytique de la chaleur (1822), he established a mathematical framework that profoundly influenced engineering, physics, and applied mathematics. His ideas are now essential in fields such as signal processing, the heat equation, and spectral analysis.
Quotes
- Profound study of nature is the most fertile source of mathematical discoveries.