Euler, Leonhard
Published: September 14, 2006, 5:17 pm
Updated: September 14, 2006, 5:17 pm
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
Tom Lawrence
Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), a Swiss mathematician, is considered among the most prolific and influential mathematicians of all time. He published over 800 papers in his lifetime and won the prestigious Paris Academy Prize 12 times. Euler systematized mathematics by introducing the symbols "e", the base of the natural logarithm, "i", the imaginary number, and "f(x)" for f as a function of x. Euler made important contributions to geometry, calculus, and number theory. He integrated Leibniz's differential calculus and Newton's method of fluxions into mathematical analysis. He introduced beta and gamma functions, and integrating factors for differential equations. In number theory, Euler proved that the divergence of the harmonic series implied an infinite number of Primes, he factored the fifth Fermat number (thus disproving Fermat's conjecture), and showed that "e" was irrational. Euler also studied continuum mechanics, lunar theory with Clairaut, the three-body problem, elasticity, acoustics, the wave theory of light, hydraulics, and music.
Further Reading
Euler - Biography (University of St. Andrews, Scotland, School of Mathematics and Statistics)
Leonhard Euler - Biography (PlanetMath)
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Citation
Cutler J. Cleveland (Lead Author);Tom Lawrence (Topic Editor) "Euler, Leonhard". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth September 14, 2006; Last revised Date September 14, 2006; Retrieved May 25, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Euler,_Leonhard>
The Author
Cutler J. Cleveland is Professor of Earth and Environment at Boston University, where he also is on the faculty of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Professor Cleveland is Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Energy (Elsevier, 2004), winner of an American Library Association award, the Dictionary of Energy (Elsevier, 2005), Handbook of Energy (Elsevier, forthcoming), and is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth. He is the recipient of the Adelma ... (Full Bio)
Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), a Swiss mathematician, is considered among the most prolific and influential mathematicians of all time. He published over 800 papers in his lifetime and won the prestigious Paris Academy Prize 12 times. Euler systematized mathematics by introducing the symbols "e", the base of the natural logarithm, "i", the imaginary number, and "f(x)" for f as a function of x. Euler made important contributions to geometry, calculus, and number theory. He integrated Leibniz's differential calculus and Newton's method of fluxions into mathematical analysis. He introduced beta and gamma functions, and integrating factors for differential equations. In number theory, Euler proved that the divergence of the harmonic series implied an infinite number of Primes, he factored the fifth Fermat number (thus disproving Fermat's conjecture), and showed that "e" was irrational. Euler also studied continuum mechanics, lunar theory with Clairaut, the three-body problem, elasticity, acoustics, the wave theory of light, hydraulics, and music.
Further Reading
Euler - Biography (University of St. Andrews, Scotland, School of Mathematics and Statistics)
Leonhard Euler - Biography (PlanetMath)
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