Leonhard Euler
1707–1783 · Swiss · Enlightenment
Known for: Most prolific mathematician in history with foundational contributions across all mathematics
Leonhard Euler published over 800 papers and books—more than any mathematician in history. He lost sight in one eye at 28 and went completely blind at 59 but continued producing mathematics at an undiminished rate, dictating to assistants. Laplace said 'Read Euler, read Euler, he is the master of us all.'
He invented much of the notation we use today: e, i, pi, sigma, f(x). His formula e^(i*pi) + 1 = 0 is called the most beautiful equation in mathematics, connecting the five most important mathematical constants in a single expression.
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