Only $ 18.00

b. April 30, 1777 and d. February 23, 1855

German mathematician who was devoted to the theory of numbers. He invented the heliotrope (an instrument to show when the sun reached the tropics), which he used in a triangulation between Gottingen and Altona about 1822. His profound works, though produced with astonishing rapidity, were elaborated with the greatest care, and they mark an era in the history of science. He published “Arithmetical Disquisitions” (1801) and “Theory of the Motion of the Celestial Bodies” (1809), in which he developed an improved method for calculating the orbits of planets and comets. This was a worthy sequel to Laplace’s “Mechanique Celeste,’ in which he had enshrined all that was known on the planetary results of gravitation.

Where in the realm of thought, whose air is song,
Does he, the Buddha of the West, belong?
He seems a winged Franklin, sweetly wise,
Born to unlock the secrets of the skies. . . .
If lost at times in vague aerial flights,
None treads with firmer footstep when he lights;
A soaring nature, ballasted with sense,
Wisdom without her wrinkles or pretense.

—At the Saturday Club: Holmes

1830-32—Evariste Galois published his Theory of Equations and Theory of Numbers.

b. April 29, 1830 and d. ?

German-American mining engineer. He planned the now famous Sutro tunnel through the heart of the mountain where lay the Comstock lode. Having interested capitalists, he obtained a charter from the Nevada Legislature on February 4, 1865, and the authorization of Congress on July 25, 1866. The work was begun on October 19, 1869. In 1879 the great tunnel was finished, and its projector became a millionaire many times over.

Heroes who brought from every clime
Rich argosies of wealth;
Heroes of thoughts and deeds sublime,
Who spurned what came by stealth;
Who won a guerdon fair and bright,
And left no bloody stain—
No heart profaned-no deadly light—
Upon God’s wide domain.

—Heroes of Industry: G. P. R.

For him I built a palace underground,
Of iron, black and rough as his own hands.
Deep in the groaning, disembowel’d earth,
The tower broad pillars and huge stanchions,
And slant-supporting wedges I set up,
Aided by the Cyclops who obey’d my voice,
Which through the metal fabric rang and peal’d
In orders echoing far, like thunder-dreams.

—Building of the Palace Poseidon: Richard H. Harne

1868, June 16—Mont Cenis tunnel was opened.

1872—The St. Gothard tunnel was begun, 9 1/4 miles long.