Born in Basel, Switzerland, Euler achieved significant accomplishments in mathematics, particularly when it is considered that he was blind for the last seventeen years of his life. In Euler's early life he studied mathematics, theology, medicine, astronomy, physics and oriental languages, but mathematics seemed to be his first passion. His teacher was Jean Bernoulli of the famous Bernoulli family that produced twelve mathematicians and scientists over five generations.

At the age of sixteen Euler received his master's degree from the University of Basel, but, because of his age, had a difficult time finding a position in the mathematical field. In 1733 his friend and fellow mathematician Daniel Bernoulli convinced Euler to move to St. Petersburg, Russia. Bernoulli assisted Euler in obtaining a position as professor of mathematics at the Petersburg Academy. As history reports it, after three days at the Academy Euler had already solved a problem other

mathematicians...