Sir William Rowan Hamilton

摘要: One of the most imaginative mathematicians nineteenth century, Sir William Rowan Hamilton (1805--1865) changed course modern algebra with his discovery quaternions in 1843. Although Hamilton's work was largely theoretical, ideas came to have invaluable practical applications advent quantum mechanics twentieth century. In this acclaimed biography, Thomas L. Hankins brings together many aspects life and -- from significant contributions mathematics, optics, passion for metaphysics, poetry, politics fully portraying brilliant man whose faith idealism guided him everything he did.