History of Math and Technology
A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
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 …
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, …
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 Mathematician Who Solved Fermat’s Last Theorem Andrew Wiles, or more correctly Sir Andrew John Wiles KBE FRA, a renowned mathematician, is best known for his groundbreaking proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem, a problem that had puzzled mathematicians for over 350 years. Wiles’ achievement, announced in 1994, marked a significant milestone in the history of …
Emmy Noether – Pioneer of Modern Mathematics and Physics Emmy Noether, a pioneering mathematician and physicist of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the fields of mathematics and theoretical physics. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a woman in a male-dominated field, Noether’s groundbreaking work revolutionized our understanding of abstract algebra and laid the …
Pioneering Paths in Irish Mathematics In the world of mathematics, where historical narratives often echo the names of male mathematicians, Sheila Tinney stands out as a trailblazer, making significant contributions during a time when women’s roles in STEM were limited. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1918, Sheila Mary Tinney emerged as a notable figure in …
Samuel Morse, Alfred Vail, and Their Revolutionary Impact on Cryptography In the annals of cryptographic history, Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail stand as pioneers whose innovations not only transformed communication but also made significant contributions to the evolution of cryptography. The Birth of Morse Code Samuel Morse, renowned for inventing the electromagnetic telegraph in the …
Celebrating Srinivasa Ramanujan: A Mathematician Beyond Measure In the realm of mathematics, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Srinivasa Ramanujan. His unparalleled genius, despite humble beginnings, and his extraordinary contributions to mathematical realms have left an indelible mark on the world. As we celebrate Mathematics Day on December 22nd , let’s honor the …