1805-1865

Irish Mathematician

Sir William Hamilton is perhaps best known for developing the theory of quaternions, the first non-cummutative form of algebra. However, he also made significant contributions to the theories of optics and other areas in mathematical physics.

Hamilton was born in Dublin, the son of an attorney. He showed signs of genius early, learning Latin, Greek, and Hebrew by the age of five. At age 13 he was introduced to mathematics and, at age 17, he brought an error in Pierre Laplace's book on celestial mechanics to the attention of John Brinkley, Ireland's Astronomer Royal. After this first meeting, Brinkley commented, "This young man, I do not say will be, but is, the first mathematician of his age."

During his undergraduate years, Hamilton was appointed professor of astronomy at Trinity College. This distinction was followed by his appointment as Astronomer Royal of...