1832-1918

Norwegian mathematician whose work in finite group theory was nothing short of profound. Sylow's reputation is based almost entirely on a single ten-page paper that appeared in 1872, in which he proves three theorems in finite group theory. These theorems form the foundation of the field and are used in virtually all work in this area of mathematics. Based on his reputation, Sophus Lie arranged to have a special chair created for Sylow at Christiania University, where Sylow taught from 1898 until his death.