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Pierre de Fermat, French mathematician
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Pierre de Fermat, French mathematician
Pierre de Fermat (1601-1665), French mathematician and physical theorist. Fermat is most famous for devising Fermats principle to derive the path taken by light rays, and using it to deduce the laws of reflection and refraction of light. He did not publish his work in the usual sense and his results (often without proofs) are known through his letters to friends. He corresponded on probability theory with Pascal. Fermat also worked on number theory, analytical geometry and the maximum and minimum values of functions. Fermats Last Theorem was not proven until 1993 (by Andrew Wiles)
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1600s 17th Century Apparatus Dead Forties French Geometry History Of Science Laws Mathematical Mathematician Mathematics Number Theory Optical Optics Physicist Pierre De Fermat Probability Reflection Refraction Scientist Thirties False Coloured Fermat Physical
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This print from Science Photo Library showcases Pierre de Fermat, a renowned French mathematician and physical theorist. Born in 1601 and passing away in 1665, Fermat made significant contributions to various fields of study during his lifetime. His most famous achievement was the development of Fermat's principle, which allowed him to derive the path taken by light rays. By utilizing this principle, he deduced the fundamental laws of reflection and refraction of light. Fermat's work was unique as he did not follow traditional publishing methods; instead, his groundbreaking results were shared through personal letters with friends and colleagues. One notable correspondent was Blaise Pascal, with whom he discussed probability theory extensively. Aside from his optical research, Fermat also delved into number theory, analytical geometry, and determining maximum and minimum values of functions. However, it wasn't until 1993 that his most enduring legacy would be resolved - Fermat's Last Theorem - thanks to Andrew Wiles' proof. In this colored illustration capturing a moment frozen in time from the 17th century, we see an adult Pierre de Fermat engrossed in deep thought while surrounded by mathematical apparatuses. This image not only pays tribute to one of history's greatest minds but also serves as a reminder that even centuries later, scientific discoveries continue to shape our understanding of the world around us.
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