The Memoir of Leonhard Euler

Leonhard Euler

What mathematician contributed most to Calculus and Trigonometry? This is one of the most debatable questions of the centuries. Some might say Pythagoras contributed the most based on his famous formula, the Pythagorean Theory. While others argue that Plato is the most important mathematician based on his contributions to Calculus. Without a doubt, one major contributor to mathematics was a man by the name of Leonhard Euler. Publishing over 800 essays and books on equations and formulas, Euler is one of the most important math figures from his era. The Swiss mathematician invented theories that we study and use in modern mathematics. Not only was Euler a mathematician, he was also a physicist, and invented laws and experiments for science.

Born and raised in Switzerland, Euler lived with his mother and father in Berlin. He attended the University of Basel and received his Master’s degree at a young age. After pursuing his academics, he enlisted into the Navy. Later, he attended St. Petersburg Academy and was a professor in physics and mathematics. In 1736, Euler published Mechanica, his first educational textbook. The book described all of the statistics in government funds and analyzed them for an average citizen to comprehend. Unfortunately, due to losing eyesight in his right eye, he was unable to publish another novel for a couple of years. In the 1740’s Euler became the Director of Berlin Academy of Science and Beaux Arts. He was promoted to the Executive Director for the Berlin Academy later on. Euler was then forced to leave the Berlin Academy and move back to Russia. There he remained the head of St. Petersburg Academy. Unfortunately, his right eye never fully healed from his first operation. He then lost complete eyesight in both his eyes. Even though he was blind, Euler made significant contributions to mathematics. (Weisteen)

Even though Euler had a wide range of knowledge in different subjects, he was mostly known for his mathematical discoveries. Euler was completely fluent and familiar with the ideas expressed in Trigonometry. With the use of functions and the greek symbol Pi, he was able to construct theorems and identities. For example, one of his most popular math formulas was called Euler’s Identity Theorem. This equation explores the distances in circles and plotting points on linear equations. It is considered one of the most productive and useful formulas in Trigonometry and Calculus. He also produced, Euler’s Formula which proves with transversals and intersections on a graph. Euler took an interest in scientific experimentation as well. He studied astronomy through a telescope in his yard.

Every night, he he studied the positioning of the stars, the moon, the planets, etc. Euler was fond of inspecting the moon’s movement and eclipses at night. With his experimentation, he was able to invent and explained the Euler-Bernoulli Theory beam equation. This theory describes the motion in the moon in comparison to the other planets in the solar system. He also studied music and acoustic sound waves. He examined the distances that the sound waves travel, Euler found an interest in music and the arts as well. Even though Euler discovered many aspects of math and science, his most popular contribution was his mathematical formulas that we study today. (Zackary, Blessed)

Euler passed away on September 18, 1783 due to brain hemorrhage. Even though he has contributed to many subjects, he is popular for his contributions to Trigonometry and Calculus. With his publications and math analytical papers, he was able to spread his knowledge of his theorems and formulas. With the knowledge disseminated to the public we continue to study and use Euler’s inputs to mathematics. He published two novels before his untimely death. He is best known for Leonhardi Euleri Opera Omina which showed all of his work over his years of being a scientist and a mathematician. It is considered to be one of the most educational filling books that was published in the late 1780’s. Another educational novel that Euler published was Elements of Algebra. It delves into the history of signs such as addition and subtraction and Algebraic equations. As the book progresses, Euler explains how polynomial fourth degree equations can be solved. Even though Euler passed away, his legacy still is strong due to his novels that he published. (Dapper, Weissten)

Leonhard Euler is considered one of the greatest Mathematicians of all time. He invented both theories and equations for Math and Science. Euler used his knowledge and understanding of Trigonometry and Calculus in order to produce theories and important formulas. He published many books and papers demonstrating and proving his beliefs. With these books, his mathematical gifts will never be forgotten. Unfortunately due to losing his eyesight in his mathematical prime, he was unable to continue producing Calculus changing books. Leonhard Euler’s beliefs are still studied and used to this day.