History of Math and Technology
A blog covering the history of STEM and how we got to where we are.
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 …
Daniel Bernoulli: The Mathematician Who Bridged Mathematics and Science Daniel Bernoulli (1700–1782) was a Swiss mathematician and physicist, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the history of science. As a member of the renowned Bernoulli family, which produced several prominent mathematicians, Daniel carved his own legacy by blending mathematical theory with practical …
Bonaventura Cavalieri (1598–1647) was an Italian mathematician and a key figure in the early development of calculus and geometry. Known for his groundbreaking work in infinitesimal methods, Cavalieri’s ideas laid the groundwork for future mathematical advancements by Isaac Newton, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and others. His contributions to mathematics and science are celebrated as milestones in …
Hipparchus: The Father of Trigonometry Hipparchus of Nicaea (c. 190 BCE – c. 120 BCE) stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of mathematics and science. A Greek astronomer, mathematician, and geographer, Hipparchus made groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for many fields, particularly astronomy and trigonometry. His innovative methods and …
Apollonius of Perga: The Geometer Who Shaped Mathematics and Science Apollonius of Perga (circa 262 BCE – circa 190 BCE) stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of mathematics and science. Known primarily as “The Great Geometer,” his work on conic sections laid the foundation for numerous developments in mathematics, astronomy, …
Plato: The Philosopher Who Shaped Mathematics and Science Plato (427–347 BCE), one of the most influential philosophers in history, is renowned for his profound impact on Western thought. His contributions extended beyond philosophy, deeply influencing mathematics, science, and education. Through his dialogues, his establishment of the Academy, and his philosophical principles, Plato laid critical groundwork …