Gauss and Germain

Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855) was one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. Possibly his most famous work was his book on number theory, published in 1801. After reading this book, the French mathematicians Sophie Germain (1776-1831) began corresponding with Gauss about Fermat’s last theorem, using a male pseudonym.

Subsequently her interests moved to working on a general theory of vibrations of a curved surface which provided the basis for the modern theory of elasticity.

This is a free public lecture by Raymond Flood, Gresham Professor of Geometry.

There is no need to book in advance for this lecture. It runs on a first come first served basis.