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Leonhard Euler

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Mathematician

The Resume

    (April 15, 1707-September 18, 1783)
    Born in Basel, Switzerland
    Contributed to calculus, graph theory, mechanics, fluid dynamics, optics and astronomy
    Popularized many conventions for mathematical notation
    Collected works fill 60+ volumes
    Wrote 'Letters to a German Princess' for Frederick the Great's niece

Why he might be annoying:

    He accepted a position with the Imperial Russian Academy of Sciences, then delayed his trip to St. Petersburg so he could apply (unsuccessfully) for a professorship at the University of Basel.
    He married his widow's half-sister.
    His philosophical ideas were ridiculed by Voltaire.

Why he might not be annoying:

    A fellow mathematician said he 'calculated without effort, as men breathe.'
    He had a photographic memory, which enabled him to remain prolific even after going almost completely blind (1766).
    Only five of his thirteen children survived childhood.
    He was responsible for three of the top five winners in a 'Mathematical Intelligencer' poll for 'most beautiful mathematical formula ever' (1988).

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 10 Votes: 90.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 16 Votes: 43.75% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 24 Votes: 54.17% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 10 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 19 Votes: 42.11% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 23 Votes: 39.13% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 77 Votes: 36.36% Annoying