History of Math and Technology
A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
Aryabhata the Elder (476 CE–550 CE) is one of the most celebrated figures in the history of mathematics and astronomy. Born in the region of present-day India, Aryabhata made groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for many modern mathematical and scientific concepts. Through his seminal work, the Aryabhatiya, he introduced ideas that have influenced fields …
David Hilbert (1862–1943) is widely regarded as one of the most influential mathematicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His profound contributions to mathematics and science have shaped fields ranging from algebra and geometry to physics and logic. Hilbert’s work was not confined to technical theorems; his visionary insights helped set the course …
George David Birkhoff George David Birkhoff (1884–1944) was a towering figure in early 20th-century mathematics, whose groundbreaking work bridged the abstract realms of mathematics and the real-world phenomena of physics, engineering, and even art. Best known for his ergodic theorem and contributions to dynamical systems, Birkhoff left an indelible mark on mathematics and science. His …
Hippocrates’ Contributions to Mathematics Although Hippocrates’ work is often overshadowed by the more famous “Hippocratic Oath” associated with the medical philosopher Hippocrates of Kos, his contributions to mathematics are both significant and pioneering. He is primarily remembered for his work in geometry, especially his advances in understanding the properties of circles, areas, and volumes. The …
Pierre de Fermat (1607–1665) was a French mathematician, lawyer, and polymath whose profound contributions transformed the landscape of mathematics. Often regarded as one of the founders of modern mathematics, Fermat is celebrated for his pioneering work in number theory, analytic geometry, calculus, probability, and optics. His genius lies not only in his groundbreaking results but …
Pioneer of Non-Euclidean Geometry Giovanni Girolamo Saccheri (1667–1733) was an Italian Jesuit priest, philosopher, and mathematician whose work laid the groundwork for one of the most revolutionary ideas in mathematics: non-Euclidean geometry. Though largely overlooked during his lifetime, Saccheri’s exploration of alternatives to Euclid‘s parallel postulate would later inspire mathematicians such as Gauss, Bolyai, Lobachevsky, …
Stephen Hawking, one of the most celebrated theoretical physicists and cosmologists of the modern era, made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the universe. His work, which spans the fields of mathematics, theoretical physics, and cosmology, has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also captured the public’s imagination. Despite living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) …
John Forbes Nash Jr. (1928–2015) was an American mathematician renowned for his groundbreaking work in game theory, differential geometry, and partial differential equations. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including a long battle with mental illness, Nash’s contributions to mathematics and science have left an indelible mark on fields as diverse as economics, biology, computer science, …
Wang Fan: His Impact on the History of Mathematics and Science Wang Fan (王蕃), a lesser-known yet influential Chinese mathematician and astronomer from the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE), made significant contributions to the development of mathematics and science in ancient China. While his name may not be as widely recognized as that of other …
Bhaskara I (c. 600–c. 680 CE) was a prominent Indian mathematician and astronomer who played a crucial role in the development of mathematical concepts and astronomical methods in ancient India. While his name is often overshadowed by the later Indian mathematician Bhaskara II (also known as Bhaskaracharya), Bhaskara I’s contributions were significant and have had …