Mathematicians

Mathematicians By: Dustin Back

Nicolaus CopernicusBorn : February 19, 1473Died: May 24,1543 He got his education at the University of Cracow , University of Bologna , and the University of BolognaHe was born in Poland

Famous forIdentified the concept of a heliocentric solar systemThat concept of the sun being the center of the solar systemThis concept we still use todayHe wrote a 40 page manuscript called Commentariolus (Latin for “Small Commentary”)He referred to this as the “Sketch of Hypothesis Made by Nicolaus Copernicus on the Heavenly Motions”

HistoryIn 1491, Copernicus entered the University of Cracow where he studied paintings and mathematics. During this time he developed a growing interest in the cosmos and started collecting books on the topicUpon graduating from Cracow in 1494 he returned to Torun where he had a position in the church and could only pursue his academic interests during his free timeIn 1496 Copernicus left for Italy where enrolled in a religious law class at the University of Bologna

More HistoryIn 1500 after completing his studies at Bologna he went on to the University of Padua to study practical medicine.He didn’t stay long enough at the university to earn the degree.In 1503, Nicolaus attended the University of Ferrara where he prepared and took the canon law exam. After passing he returned to Poland and resumed his canon position at the church.In 1508 Nicolaus begun developing his own celestial model, a heliocentric plantery system.

Rene Descartes By: Dustin Back

Rene DescartesBorn: March 31,1596Died: February 11, 1650He went to Jesuit college of Henri IV, and University of Poitiers He was born in La Haye,Touraine,France

Famous forHe was a philosopher,mathematician,scientist,and a academic author.Regarded as the father of modern philosophy for defining a starting point for existence.Quotes: “I think; therefore I am.”-Rene Descartes Went to Jesuit college at the age of 8 and earned his law degree at age 22.An influential teacher sent him on a coarse to apply mathematics and logic.

HistoryHe went to the college of Jesuit for seven yearsHe studied rhetoric and logic which was his base for being a philosopher After spending four years earning a baccalaureate in law at the University of Poitiers.He published a book in 1637 called “Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason and Seeking Truth in the Sciences”

More HistoryHe traveled and joined the army for a small amount of time, saw some battles and met a Dutch scientist and philosopher named Isaac Beeckman who for Rene was a influential teacher.He also published a book called “Meditations on First Philosophy and Principles of Philosophy”.He introduced Cartesian geometry, which incorporates algebra. Through his refraction laws he developed an empirical understanding of rainbows.

Ada Lovelace By: Dustin Back

Ada LovelaceBorn: December 10, 1815 Died: November 27, 1852She was a mathematician She was born in London, United Kingdom

HistoryMary Somerville a Scottish astronomer and mathematician instructed Ada at a young age.Mary was one of the first women to be admitted into the Royal Astronomical Society.Around the age of 17, Ada met Charles Babbage, an inventor and mathematician.Babbage served as a mentor to Ada.Through Babbage Ada began her studies of advanced mathematics with the University of London professor Augustus de Morgan.

More HistoryAda was asked to translate an article on Babbage’s analytical engine that had been written by Italian engineer Luigi f. Menabrea for a Swiss journal.She also added her own thoughts and ideas to it after translating it form French to English.Her notes she added ended up being three times longer then the original,Her work was published in 1843.She theorized a method for the engine that today would be known as looping that computer programs use today.

SourcesNicolaus Copernicus: www.biography.comRene Descartes: www.biography.com Ada Lovelace: www.biography.com