1789-1857. French mathematician, celebrated
for his rigorous methods of analysis. His
prolific output included work on complex
functions, determinants, and probability, and
on the convergence of infinite series. In
calculus, he refined the concepts of the
limit and the definite integral. In 1843 he
published a defence of academic freedom of
thought that was instrumental in the
abolition of the oath of allegiance soon
after the fall of Louis Philippe in 1848.