Gauß

Carl Friedrich Gauß (German: Carl Friedrich Gauß; English: Carl Friedrich Gauss) (1777–1855) was a German mathematician and physicist whose work shaped several areas of science. Born in Braunschweig, he studied at the University of Göttingen, where he spent most of his career as a professor and director of the astronomical observatory. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time.

In number theory, his Disquisitiones Arithmeticae (1801) established modern methods and concepts, including work on modular arithmetic and the theory of binary quadratic forms, and laid foundations for later developments by Dirichlet and others. He also contributed to algebra and geometry, developing Gaussian elimination for solving linear systems and advancing ideas in differential geometry, including Gaussian curvature.

In statistics and probability, Gauss developed the method of least squares and popularized the Gaussian (normal) distribution in error analysis; the distribution bears his name.

In astronomy and geodesy, he applied mathematical methods to celestial mechanics, helped determine the orbit of the asteroid Ceres after its temporary disappearance, and led precise surveys that advanced geodetic measurement.

In physics, Gauss formulated Gauss's law in electrostatics and magnetism; the gauss, a unit of magnetic flux density in the CGS system, is named in his honor. His influence extends into many branches of mathematics, physics, and astronomy, with concepts such as Gaussian curvature and the Gaussian distribution bearing his imprint on scientific vocabulary.