1811-1832. French mathematician, who
originated the theory of groups. His attempts
to gain recognition for his work were largely
thwarted by the French mathematical
establishment, critical of his lack of formal
qualifications. Galois was killed in a duel
before he was 21. The night before, he had
hurriedly written out his unpublished
discoveries on group theory, the importance
of which would come to be appreciated more
and more as the 19th century progressed.