Karl Theodor Wilhelm Weierstraß
Karl Theodor Wilhelm Weierstrass (October 31, 1815 - February 19, 1897) was a German mathematician regarded as one of the founders of modern analysis. He is especially known for rigorously formalizing the foundations of calculus, introducing precise definitions for key concepts such as limit, continuity, and derivative through the \(\varepsilon - \delta\) approach. He also proved that not every continuous function is differentiable, using the famous Weierstrass function, which is continuous everywhere but differentiable nowhere. His logical and meticulous approach deeply influenced the teaching and development of mathematical analysis in the 19th century and beyond.
Quotes
- It is true that a mathematician who is not somewhat of a poet, will never be a perfect mathematician.