(September 24, 1501 – September 21, 1576)
One of the most versatile scientists of the Renaissance period, Gerolamo Cardano was a jack-of-all-trade (and master-of-all). His pioneering contributions were in mathematics, medicine, astronomy and natural philosophy. In the process, he inspired generations of researchers. Apart from fortifying the foundations of Algebra, Logic, Arithmetic and Geometry, he placed both Probability Theory and Binomial Theorem on the plinths from where Pierre de Fermat, Blaise Pascal, Isaac Newton, Gottfried Leibniz, and the Bernoulli brothers took them farther. Cardano was also among the first Europeans who disseminated the usefulness of negative numbers. These he employed in his works on cubic and quartic equations. As a polymath, he drew from his vast cognition to solve problems: including astrological investigations which pitted him against the Catholic Church. He also developed some of the earliest known Combination Locks which were massive hi-tech attainments then. His experiences in practicing and teaching medical sciences motivated him into becoming the first European who researched on typhoid fever. His inroads there secured him admission into the Royal College of Physicians. He would likewise delve into alchemy, as well as its offshoots of chemistry. His works in physics pertained mainly to astronomy; although as an equipment-maker, he engineered gadgets such as gimbals and propeller shafts (which are also known as Cardan shafts in his honor). Among his 200-plus treatises are the Contradicentium Medicorum (which underscored Medicine) and De Proportionibus (which centered on Hypocycloids). Both the 50-kilometer-wide Cardanus lunar crater and the 11421 Cardano asteroid are dedicated to his memory.
All rights reserved. © Valentine Oduenyi
Constructive and accurate!
I remember reading somewhere that although he worked as a doctor, he was among the first Europeans to publish solutions of general cubic and quartic equations.
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Fine summary! His versatility speaks for itself.
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I like his Big stuff! 😀
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With all the flavors of early science.
People like him are rare.
This site is so good.
His versatility runs deep.
His family story is also interesting
What an impressive expertise
Dying to learn more
Positive about it
Inspiring
Thanks
Gothic + Baroque
Wonderful scientist