Hermite

Charles Hermite

Born: 24 Dec 1822 in Dieuze, Lorraine, France
Died: 14 Jan 1901 in Paris, France

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Hermite applied elliptic functions to the quintic equation. He published the first proof that e is a transcendental number.

Hermite always found formal examinations difficult and had to spend 5 years working for his B.Sc. which he received in 1848. He held posts at the École Polytechnique, Collège de France, École Normale Supérieure and the Sorbonne.

His work in the theory of functions includes the application of elliptic functions to the general equation of the fifth degree, the quintic equation. In 1873 he published the first proof that e is a transcendental number.

His proof, published in 1873, that e is a transcendental number, is especially well known.
Using method's similar to those of Hermite, Lindemann established in 1882 that pi was also transcendental.

Hermite is known also for a number of mathematical entities that bear his name, Hermite polynomials, Hermite's differential equation, Hermite's formula of interpolation and Hermitian matrices.

Poincaré is the best known of Hermite's students.

References elsewhere in this archive:

Tell me about Hermite's work on abstract linear spaces

References:

  1. Dictionary of Scientific Biography
  2. Biography in Encyclopaedia Britannica
  3. G Darboux, Charles Hermite, La revue du mois 1 (1906), 37-58.
  4. Charles Hermite, Proc. London Math. Soc. 33 (1901), 311, 405-407. 
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