The idea that genius runs in families is supported by many examples in the arts and sciences. One striking case is the family of Johann Sebastian Bach, the most brilliant star in a constellation of talented musicians and composers. In a similar vein, several generations of the Bernoulli family excelled in science and medicine. More … Continue reading A Mathematical Dynasty
Month: September 2013
Sonya Kovalevskaya
A brilliant Russian mathematician, Sonya Kovalevskaya, is the topic of the That’s Maths column this week (click Irish Times: TM029 and search for "thatsmaths"). In the nineteenth century it was extremely difficult for a woman to achieve distinction in the academic sphere, and virtually impossible in the field of mathematics. But a few brilliant women managed … Continue reading Sonya Kovalevskaya
New Estimate of the Speed of Light
A team of German scientists have recently discovered a new method of measuring the speed of light using Einstein's famous equation E = m c2 Scientists from SFZ, the Spätenheim Forschungszentrum in Bavaria, assembled a group of twenty volunteer climbers at a local mountain, Schmerzenberg. Using high-precision Mettler balance equipment, each climber was weighed at … Continue reading New Estimate of the Speed of Light
Irish Maths Week 2013
This week's That's Maths in The Irish Times ( TM028 ) is all about Maths Week, a major event in the calender of mathematics in Ireland. Over the coming weeks information and announcements about the event will appear on the website for the event (click the logo below): Maths Week, October 2013 With the new … Continue reading Irish Maths Week 2013
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