Joseph Fourier

At a time when the nature of heat was still being debated in the 18th century, Joseph Fourier established an equation describing how heat propagates through a solid of arbitrary shape. His methods make the French scientist a founder of mathematical physics.

Written by

MARC LECONTE

PublishedJanuary 17, 2019UpdatedMay 16, 20261 min read

Regarded sometimes as a mathematician and sometimes as a physicist, Joseph Fourier continues to influence the latest developments in both applied physics and pure mathematics through his scientific work. His lifetime, from 1764 to 1830, spanned a pivotal period in French political history: he lived through the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI, the Revolution, the Empire and the Restoration. He died on the eve of the July Revolution of 1830.

A life of adventure and politics --------------------------------

Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier

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