Leonhard Euler | Biography

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 had predicted would take many months to solve. His years at the Academy were among Euler's most important. Working along with Bernoulli, Euler introduced the algebraic symbols e, i, f(), , and he devised a number of trigonometric and geometric theorems and rules known by his name. In 1735 he lost sight in his right eye, a result of his observations of the Sun.

In 1741, at the invitation of King Frederick II of Prussia (1712-1786), Euler left Russia to head the Academy of Science in Berlin. While he continued to produce important mathematical and astrological papers in Berlin, he did not get along with King Frederick, who lacked an appreciation for mathematics. In 1760 during the Seven Year War, invading Russian troops demonstrated they still remembered and respected Euler by sparing his Berlin home from destruction. Euler returned to St. Petersburg in 1766; that same year he lost sight in his left eye, but continued working until his death in 1783.

Contemporaries noted that Euler had a virtually photographic memory, and a gift for rapid mental calculation. According to reports, to settle a disagreement between two students, Euler worked out in his head a calculation result which differed by one unit at fifty decimal places.

While Euler contributed to all fields of mathematics, he did much to advance the study of trigonometry, particularly what is known as spherical trigonometry. Additionally, his work in algebraic series and convergence proved invaluable to future mathematicians. He improved differential and integral calculus, advancing them to their present forms.

Following his return to Russia in 1766, Euler's research concentrated on positions of the Moon and the gravitational relationships between the, the Sun and the Earth. Over his lifetime, Euler published over eight hundred significant papers, a feat unmatched by any mathematician since that time.