William Rowan Hamilton (nonfiction)
Sir William Rowan Hamilton PRIA FRSE (4 August 1805 – 2 September 1865) was an Irish physicist, astronomer, and mathematician, who made important contributions to classical mechanics, optics, and algebra.
His studies of mechanical and optical systems led him to discover new mathematical concepts and techniques. His best known contribution to mathematical physics is the reformulation of Newtonian mechanics, now called Hamiltonian mechanics. This work has proven central to the modern study of classical field theories such as electromagnetism, and to the development of quantum mechanics.
In pure mathematics, he is best known as the inventor of quaternions. On October 16, 1843, Hamilton came up with the idea of quaternions, a non-commutative extension of complex numbers.
Hamilton is said to have shown immense talent at a very early age. Astronomer Bishop Dr. John Brinkley remarked of the 18-year-old Hamilton, 'This young man, I do not say will be, but is, the first mathematician of his age.'
In the News
2017: Quaternion multiplication table sells for two million dollars.
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External links:
- William Rowan Hamilton @ Wikipedia