1789-1857

French Mathematician

During his impressive career Augustin-Louis Cauchy published 789 scientific papers, more than almost any other scientist in the history of science. These papers spanned all of the fields of mathematics of his day and helped to place calculus on a firm theoretical footing, expanding its utility in the study of physics and astronomy. Cauchy held very conservative political views, which caused him a great deal of trouble politically and professionally, but he adamantly refused to act in a way contrary to his beliefs at any time in his life.

Cauchy was born in Paris a month after the Bastille was stormed in the first of the French revolutions. His father, a government official, supported the King, which made life difficult for Cauchy and his family during his youth. Cauchy was educated at home, where Pierre Laplace (1749-1827) and Joseph Lagrange (1736-1813) were frequent visitors...