Johann Heinrich Lambert

Date of Birth: August 26, 1728

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 25, 1777

Biography

Johann Heinrich Lambert was a renowned Swiss-German mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and astronomer. Born in the city of Mulhouse, which was then part of Switzerland, Lambert went on to become one of the most influential mathematicians of the 18th century. His work covered a wide range of subjects, including the theory of heat, the nature of light, and the properties of logarithms. Lambert is perhaps best known for introducing the concept of hyperbolic functions and for proving that π (pi) is irrational. His contributions to mathematics include significant advancements in trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. Additionally, Lambert developed several important theories in the field of astronomy, such as the Lambert W function, which has applications in various scientific disciplines. Despite his poor background, Lambert’s intellectual prowess earned him the respect of his peers and a position at the Berlin Academy of Sciences. He maintained correspondence with many of the leading scientists of his time, including Leonhard Euler.

5 Interesting Facts about Johann Heinrich Lambert

1. Johann Heinrich Lambert was the first to prove that π (pi) is irrational in 1768.

2. He developed the Lambert W function, which is used to solve equations involving exponentials.

3. Lambert made significant contributions to the field of photometry, the science of measuring light.

4. He was an early adopter and promoter of the use of barometric pressure measurements in meteorology.

5. Lambert wrote “Pyrometrie,” a pioneering work on the measurement of heat, which laid the foundation for modern thermometry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Johann Heinrich Lambert

1. “The universe is a grand book that cannot be read until one has learned to understand the language and interpret the characters in which it is written.”

2. “Mathematics is the key and door to the sciences.”

3. “He who has not understood the nature of light has not understood the nature of the universe.”

4. “In mathematics, the art of proposing a question must be held of higher value than solving it.”

5. “Geometry is knowledge of the eternally existent.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Johann Heinrich Lambert did not achieve significant financial wealth. His highest net worth was modest, mostly composed of his earnings from his position at the Berlin Academy of Sciences and his published works.