Gauss: The Hidden Architect of Modern Technology - Episode Hero Image

Gauss: The Hidden Architect of Modern Technology

Math! Science! History! · · Listen to Original Episode →
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Resources & Recommendations

Books

  • "Men of Mathematics" by Eric Temple Bell - A biographical work that includes a theatrical retelling of Gauss's childhood arithmetic feat.
  • "Disquisitiones Arithmeticae" by Carl Friedrich Gauss - One of the foundational texts of modern number theory, published when Gauss was 24, which formalized modular arithmetic, residue classes, and quadratic reciprocity.
  • "Theoria Motus (Theory of the Motion of the Heavenly Bodies Moving about the Sun in Conic Sections)" by Carl Friedrich Gauss - A significant work published in 1809 that laid down mathematical tools for astronomy, physics, and data science, including the first systematic theory of orbit determination and the method of least squares.

Research & Studies

  • "General Investigations on Curved Surfaces" by Carl Friedrich Gauss (1828) - A paper introducing "theorema egregium," which showed that the curvature of a surface can be measured entirely from within the surface itself, forming a foundation for modern geometry and influencing Einstein's theory of relativity.

People Mentioned

  • J. G. Buttner - Gauss's teacher who recognized his mathematical talent and advocated for his education.
  • Martin Bartels - Gauss's assistant who, along with Buttner, recognized Gauss's talent and advocated for his education.
  • Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick - The patron who funded Gauss's schooling, enabling his advanced studies.
  • Fermat - A mathematician whose works and theories were incorporated by Gauss in "Disquisitiones Arithmeticae."
  • Euler - A mathematician whose works and theories were incorporated by Gauss in "Disquisitiones Arithmeticae."
  • Lagrange - A mathematician whose works and theories were incorporated by Gauss in "Disquisitiones Arithmeticae."
  • Legendre - A mathematician whose works and theories were incorporated by Gauss in "Disquisitiones Arithmeticae."
  • Hypatia - An ancient astronomer mentioned as having calculated orbits nearly two millennia before Gauss, though Gauss provided the first complete framework.
  • Dr. Ronald Mallett - An individual interviewed in a previous podcast episode about time travel.
  • Sophie Germain - A mathematician who used an endowment intended for Gauss to purchase a pendulum clock for him.
  • Bernard Riemann - A student mentored by Gauss, described as rigorous, sharp, and quietly encouraging.
  • Richard Dedekind - A student mentored by Gauss.
  • Carl August Gauss - Gauss's grandson who, in 1927, found a letter written by Gauss to his wife with traces of tears.
  • Einstein - A physicist whose general theory of relativity was influenced by Gauss's work on curved surfaces and geometry.

Organizations & Institutions

  • Royal Society of London - An organization that awarded Gauss a medal for his work.
  • Institute of France - An institution that intended to provide an endowment to Gauss, which he declined due to the Napoleonic Wars.

Websites & Online Resources

  • MathScienceHistory.com - The podcast's website where listeners can find transcripts under the "Transcriptorium" link and make donations.
  • MathScienceHistory.supercast.com - A platform where listeners can sign up for ad-free versions of the podcast.

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