Alexandre Théophile Vandermonde

views updated

Alexandre Théophile Vandermonde

1735-1796

French musician and mathematician whose four memoirs, published in 1771-72, were influential to subsequent mathematics research. Vandermonde turned to mathematics at the relatively late age of 35, following a career in music. He began by working on the theory of equations and determinants, but later branched out and discovered a mathematical solution to a problem called "The Knight's Tour." This work, and more, was contained in his memoirs.

More From encyclopedia.com