History of Mathematics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

History of Mathematics - Essay Example Although there was no record of any mathematical talent in his family, both Galois’s parents were intelligent and well-read in subjects considered important at the time: philosophy, classical literature and religion. In October 1823, Galois was enrolled at the Lycee of Louis-le-Grand and his initial years in school were marked with many successes and several prizes. During his first term, however, there was a rebellion by forty students who were all expelled. Although Galois was not involved in the rebellion, the severe attitude taken by the school against those students left an impression on his already developing political outlook. By his third year, he became bored with the classical studies and his interests were soon absorbed by Legrendre’s Geometry, a book understood by very few. He regularly failed his exams and was asked to repeat the year due to poor work in rhetoric. He faced severe criticisms from his rhetoric teachers and soon his own family started to think of him as strange. February 1827 marked a turning point in his life, as he entered his very first mathematics course, taken by M. Vernier. Typical reports from his school described him as bizarre, singular, original and closed. His passion for mathematics dominated him and his director of studies advised his parents to let him concentrate only on mathematics and forgo all others. His time in school apart from mathematics was described as a waste of time â€Å"as he did nothing more than torment his teachers and overwhelm himself with punishments†. However, M. Vernier reported him as an intelligent student with zeal and success (Rothman, 1982). M. Vernier constantly implored Galois to work more systematically, an advice which he ignored. Galois attempted the entrance examination to Ecole Polytechnique a year early and without the required course in mathematics. His failure to clear the exam and the subsequent failures left a deep gash on him and embittered him for life