Gaspard MongeBorn 9 May 1746; died 28 Jul 1818 at age 72. French mathematician who is known for his elaboration of descriptive geometry. Although the son of an itinerant tradesman, by age 22, he was teaching mathematics at the military school in Mézières, and later became professor at the École Polytechnique, which he helped found and organize. He developed the mathematics of projecting solid figures onto a plane (upon which modern engineering drawing is based) following a suggestion of the theory (1738) by Frézier. Monge further applied analysis techniques to the theory of curvature that was later taken up in the revolutionary work of Georg Riemann on geometry and curvature. He also studied aome physical science topics. While a close friend of Napoleon, Monge was appointed minister for the navy (1792-93), but was removed on the restoration of the Bourbons. He died in poverty.«[DSB gives date of birth 9 May 1746. EB gives 10 May 1746.] |
