A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
Nicolaus Copernicus: Revolutionizing Science and Mathematics Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) is one of history’s most transformative figures, renowned for his revolutionary heliocentric model of the solar system. This paradigm-shifting idea forever altered humanity’s understanding of the universe and laid the foundation for modern astronomy and physics. Beyond astronomy, Copernicus’s work had a profound impact on mathematics, …
Liu Xin: A Pioneer in Mathematics and Science in Ancient China Liu Xin (c. 50 BCE – 23 CE) was a prominent Chinese mathematician, astronomer, and scholar who lived during the Western Han dynasty. His intellectual achievements and contributions significantly influenced mathematics, astronomy, and the standardization of knowledge in ancient China. Liu Xin’s interdisciplinary expertise …
Leonard Eugene Dickson: A Pioneer in the History of Mathematics and Science Leonard Eugene Dickson (1874–1954) was an influential American mathematician who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of algebra, number theory, and the history of mathematics. His work laid the foundation for modern abstract algebra and number theory, and he was a trailblazer in …
The History of Geometric Construction Geometric construction is one of the oldest and most fundamental branches of mathematics, tracing its origins back to ancient civilizations. The use of geometry to construct shapes, angles, and figures without the aid of measuring tools—other than a compass and straightedge—has fascinated mathematicians for millennia. The principles behind geometric construction …
Newton: The Mathematician Who Revolutionized Science Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) is universally recognized as one of the most influential scientists and mathematicians in history. His contributions laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, modern physics, and mathematics. Newton’s groundbreaking work in fields such as calculus, optics, and gravitation has shaped the development of modern science and …
Lagrange’s Impact on the History of Mathematics and Science Joseph-Louis Lagrange (1736–1813) is widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians in history. He made groundbreaking contributions to various fields, including mechanics, algebra, calculus, and number theory. His work laid the foundations for much of modern mathematics and profoundly influenced subsequent generations of mathematicians and …
The Ishango Bone: A Prehistoric Mathematical Marvel The Ishango Bone is one of the earliest known artifacts that suggest humanity’s ancient understanding of numbers, counting, and possibly even basic arithmetic. Unearthed in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, this prehistoric artifact dates back to around 18,000 to 20,000 years ago and provides an …
The Father of Geometry Euclid, often referred to as the “Father of Geometry,” was an ancient Greek mathematician whose work has had an enduring influence on mathematics and science for over two millennia. He is best known for his monumental treatise Elements, a 13-book compilation of mathematical knowledge that organized and systematized much of the …
The History of Sine and Cosine Functions Sine and cosine functions are fundamental to trigonometry, a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between angles and sides of triangles. These two functions are not only key to solving geometric problems but also play a vital role in many areas of science, including physics, engineering, …
Carl Friedrich Gauss: The Prince of Mathematicians Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855) is often regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. His groundbreaking work in various fields of mathematics, astronomy, and physics earned him the title “Prince of Mathematicians.” Gauss’s contributions spanned number theory, algebra, geometry, probability theory, and applied sciences, and his …