Gotthold Eisenstein | |
|---|---|
 Gotthold Eisenstein | |
| Born | (1823-04-16)16 April 1823 Berlin,Prussia |
| Died | 11 October 1852(1852-10-11) (aged 29) Berlin,Prussia |
| Alma mater | University of Berlin |
| Known for | Eisenstein's criterion |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Doctoral advisor | Ernst Eduard Kummer Nikolaus Wolfgang Fischer |
Ferdinand Gotthold Max Eisenstein (16 April 1823 – 11 October 1852) was a Germanmathematician who made significant contributions tonumber theory andanalysis. Born in Berlin, Prussia, to Jewish parents who converted to Protestantism before his birth,[1] Eisenstein displayed exceptional mathematical talent from a young age.
Despite suffering from health problems, includingmeningitis, Eisenstein excelled academically. At 14, he attended Friedrich WerderGymnasium. By age 15, he had mastered the mathematics curriculum. His teachers recognized his mathematical abilities, one quoted as saying:
His knowledge of mathematics goes far beyond the scope of the secondary school curriculum. His talent and zeal lead one to expect that some day he will make an important contribution to the development and expansion of science.[2]
He then turned to the works of Leonhard Euler andJoseph-Louis Lagrange to studydifferential calculus.
While still a student, Eisenstein began attending lectures byPeter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet and others at theUniversity of Berlin. In 1843, he metWilliam Rowan Hamilton inDublin, who introduced him toNiels Henrik Abel's proof of the impossibility of solvingfifth-degree polynomials, sparking his interest in mathematical research.
Upon returning to Berlin in 1843, Eisenstein passed his graduation exams and enrolled in the University. Within a year, he presented his first work on cubic forms in two variables to the Berlin Academy. He also gained the patronage ofAlexander von Humboldt, who secured grants to support Eisenstein's financial needs.
During this period, Eisenstein published numerous papers in Crelle's Journal, including two proofs of the law ofquartic reciprocity and analogous laws for cubic and quartic reciprocity. He also visitedCarl Friedrich Gauss inGöttingen and received anhonorary doctorate from theUniversity of Breslau. In 1847, Eisenstein habilitated at the University of Berlin and began teaching there.
Despite his revolutionary activities in Berlin, which led to a brief imprisonment in 1848, Eisenstein continued his mathematical research. He made significant contributions to quadratic partitions ofprime numbers and thereciprocity laws. His work was recognized by his election to theAcademy of Göttingen andBerlin in 1851 and 1852, respectively.
Unfortunately, Eisenstein's health deteriorated, and he succumbed totuberculosis at the age of 29.Alexander von Humboldt, a lifelong supporter, accompanied his remains to the cemetery.
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