Contents
Sophie Germain
Advancing number theory and the mathematics of vibrating surfaces while excluded from formal university study.
Elastic surfaces · Published elasticity essay
- Born
- 1 April 1776
- Birthplace
- Paris, France
- Died
- 27 June 1831
More people
Sophie Germain
Germain pursued mathematics independently in Paris. She corresponded under a male name to gain access to leading scholars and made important contributions to elasticity and Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Early life
Learning at home
Began studying mathematics through books in her father’s library.
A borrowed name
Used the name Monsieur Le Blanc when seeking mathematical guidance in a system that excluded women.
Career
- 1790s
Independent study
Obtained mathematical lecture material and established contact with Joseph-Louis Lagrange.
- 1804
Correspondence with Gauss
Began exchanging ideas on number theory with Carl Friedrich Gauss.
- 1816
Academy prize
Won the Paris Academy of Sciences competition on elastic surfaces.
Contributions
Elastic surfaces
Developed a mathematical account of how thin plates vibrate.
Published elasticity essay
Issued her prize-winning work at her own expense.
Fermat’s Last Theorem
Established a result that ruled out important classes of possible counterexamples.
Beyond mathematics
An independent career
Worked without a university post, supported by her family.
Philosophical writing
Also wrote about the relationship between science, culture and intellectual development.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗University of St Andrews biography ↗Photo: s:fr:Auteur:Sophie Germain. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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