By the time Fourier was nine years old, he was an orphan. He was put in the military school at Auxerre where he began to develop an interest in mathematics. Fourier wanted to enter the army, but because of his low social position, he was only qualified to enter the artillery or engineering sections. He was turned down in his attempt at enlistment in the artillery and entered a Benedictine school at St. Bênoit-sur-Loire. Though his heart was not really set upon the priesthood, he hoped that he would eventually attend the Benedictine seminary in Paris where he could further his interests in mathematics. The French revolution terminated this potential direction in Fourier 's life. He returned to Auxerre and a teaching position at his old school in 1789.

Fourier was active in local affairs and defended the victims of the Terror during the Revolution. For this...