James Joseph Sylvester Biography

James Joseph Sylvester, Mathematician
Known asJames Joseph
Occup.Mathematician
FromEngland
BornSeptember 3, 1814
London, England, UK
DiedMarch 15, 1897
Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Aged82 years
Early Life and Education
James Joseph Sylvester was born on September 3, 1814, in London, England. He was raised in a household of Jewish descent and showed an early ability for mathematics. Sylvester's education began at the Liverpool Royal Institution, followed by participation at the popular St. John's College, Cambridge. However, due to his Jewish faith, he dealt with spiritual constraints that avoided him from finishing with a degree. Despite these obstacles, he passed the extensive examinations of the college with difference.

Academic Career
In the 1830s, Sylvester left England to use up a position as a professor of natural philosophy at the University of Virginia in the United States. Nevertheless, his period was temporary due to cultural and social distinctions, which led him to return to England. Back in England, he ended up being a professor at University College London in 1838.

Soon after, Sylvester got a position as an actuary, providing him with practical industry experience. This function, while crucial, was not where Sylvester's true enthusiasm lay, and he soon went back to academia.

Contributions to Mathematics
Sylvester was a significant gamer in the advancement of numerous mathematical disciplines. His most significant contributions were to algebra and matrix theory, where he worked closely with fellow mathematician Arthur Cayley. Together, they developed the theory of invariants, an outcome that significantly formed modern algebra and resulted in further advances in group theory. Sylvester's name is likewise connected with Sylvester's law of inertia and Sylvester's matrix, which remain essential in mathematical research study today.

He worked on the theory of partitions, adding to number theory also. Along with his mathematical writings, Sylvester was likewise a keen poet and typically intertwined his literary interests with his scholastic works.

Later On Career and Legacy
In 1876, Sylvester returned to the United States to end up being a professor of mathematics at Johns Hopkins University. During his time there, he assisted develop the American Journal of Mathematics, the first significant mathematical journal in the United States, which stays influential today. His time at Johns Hopkins was marked by both his devotion to teaching and his ongoing research study efforts.

In 1883, Sylvester went back to England when he was selected as the Savilian Professor of Geometry at the University of Oxford, a position which he held up until his retirement in 1894. His contribution to the academic world was acknowledged during his lifetime with prominent awards, including the Royal Medal and the Copley Medal from the Royal Society.

Death and Influence
James Joseph Sylvester died on March 15, 1897, in London, England. His legacy is marked by his substantial contributions to different fields in mathematics and his function in founding a cornerstone institution for mathematical research study in the United States. As a scholar, he acted as a bridge in between abstract mathematical theory and practical application, motivating generations of mathematicians to check out and broaden on his work.

Tradition and Recognition
Sylvester's work resides on in the form of the terms and principles bearing his name in mathematics. His collaboration with contemporaries and his influence on students have played an essential role in the development of modern-day mathematical idea. Through his innovative thinking and determination, Sylvester conquered social restrictions of his time, guaranteeing his place among the noteworthy mathematicians of the 19th century.

Our collection contains 4 quotes who is written / told by James.

Related authors: Philo (Philosopher), Jimmy Chamberlin (Musician), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Arthur Cayley (Mathematician)

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q: James Sylvester Gamefowl
    A: James Joseph Sylvester was not associated with gamefowl; his legacy is mainly in the field of mathematics.
  • Q: James sylvester Football
    A: There is no known association between James Joseph Sylvester and football; he was primarily known for his contributions to mathematics.
  • Q: James Sylvester matrix
    A: A Sylvester matrix is a type of matrix named after James Joseph Sylvester, used in solving polynomial equations.
  • Q: How old was James Joseph Sylvester?
    A: He became 82 years old
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4 Famous quotes by James Joseph Sylvester

Small: The object of pure physics is the unfolding of the laws of the intelligible world the object of pure ma
"The object of pure physics is the unfolding of the laws of the intelligible world; the object of pure mathematics that of unfolding the laws of human intelligence"
Small: May not music be described as the mathematics of the sense, mathematics as music of the reason? The mus
"May not music be described as the mathematics of the sense, mathematics as music of the reason? The musician feels mathematics, the mathematician thinks music: music the dream, mathematics the working life"
Small: The early study of Euclid made me a hater of geometry
"The early study of Euclid made me a hater of geometry"
Small: Mathematics is the music of reason
"Mathematics is the music of reason"