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Courant: The Life and Work of Richard Courant

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By Constance Reid

Richard Courant (1888-1972) was one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century. He made fundamental contributions to a wide range of fields, including partial differential equations, numerical analysis, and the theory of functions. He also played a major role in the development of the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University.

Courant was born in Lublinitz, Germany, in 1888. He showed an early aptitude for mathematics, and he went on to study at the universities of Breslau, Göttingen, and Zurich. In 1910, he received his doctorate from the University of Göttingen under the supervision of David Hilbert.

Courant

by Constance Reid

4.3 out of 5

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After completing his doctorate, Courant held positions at the universities of Göttingen, Hamburg, and Münster. In 1933, he was forced to leave Germany due to the rise of the Nazi regime. He emigrated to the United States, where he joined the faculty of New York University.

At New York University, Courant founded the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. The institute quickly became one of the leading centers for mathematical research in the United States. Courant also played a major role in the development of the US nuclear weapons program during World War II.

After the war, Courant continued to lead the Courant Institute until his retirement in 1958. He remained active in research until his death in 1972.

Courant was a brilliant mathematician who made fundamental contributions to a wide range of fields. He was also a gifted teacher and mentor, and he helped to shape the careers of many of the leading mathematicians of the 20th century.

Courant's Mathematical Contributions

Courant's mathematical contributions spanned a wide range of fields, including partial differential equations, numerical analysis, and the theory of functions.

In the field of partial differential equations, Courant developed new methods for solving these equations. He also made important contributions to the theory of elliptic and parabolic equations.

In the field of numerical analysis, Courant developed new methods for approximating solutions to differential equations. He also developed new techniques for solving linear systems of equations.

In the field of the theory of functions, Courant made important contributions to the theory of orthogonal polynomials and the theory of functions of several complex variables.

Courant's Legacy

Courant's legacy is immense. He was one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, and his work continues to have a major impact on the field of mathematics today.

The Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences is one of the leading centers for mathematical research in the United States. The institute continues to attract top mathematicians from around the world.

Courant's students and colleagues have also made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. Many of the leading mathematicians of the 20th century, such as Kurt Gödel, Hermann Weyl, and John von Neumann, were either students or colleagues of Courant.

Courant

by Constance Reid

4.3 out of 5