Charles Hermite

Date of Birth: December 24, 1822

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: January 14, 1901

Biography

Charles Hermite was a French mathematician born on December 24, 1822, in Dieuze, France. He is renowned for his contributions to number theory, elliptic functions, and the theory of functions of a complex variable. Hermite’s work laid the foundation for much of modern mathematical analysis and algebra. One of his most significant achievements was the proof of the transcendence of the number \(e\), which means that \(e\) is not a root of any non-zero polynomial with rational coefficients. Hermite’s early education was disrupted due to a leg injury, but he persevered and eventually attended the École Polytechnique in Paris. Although he struggled with formal examinations, his exceptional talent was recognized by prominent mathematicians of the time, leading to a successful academic career. He held various prestigious positions, including a professorship at the Sorbonne and membership in the French Academy of Sciences. Hermite’s influence extended beyond his own work; he mentored several future prominent mathematicians, including Henri Poincaré. His correspondence with other mathematicians of his era was instrumental in advancing mathematical thought. Charles Hermite passed away on January 14, 1901, in Paris, France, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of mathematics.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Hermite

1. Charles Hermite proved the transcendence of the number \(e\) in 1873.

2. He corresponded extensively with Carl Gustav Jacobi and Joseph Louis Lagrange, influencing their work.

3. Hermite’s work on elliptic functions was groundbreaking and remains influential in modern mathematics.

4. He was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1856.

5. Despite his academic struggles, Hermite became a professor at the Sorbonne and influenced many future mathematicians.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Hermite

1. “I turn aside with a shudder of horror from this lamentable plague of functions which have no derivatives.”

2. “We are servants rather than masters in mathematics.”

3. “I believe that the word ‘function’ has been the source of more errors than any other word in the vocabulary of mathematics.”

4. “The study of number theory is, in a way, a study of the laws governing the divine order.”

5. “Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no available information on the highest net worth achieved by Charles Hermite, as financial records from his era are sparse and his primary contributions were academic.