Document Type
Class Paper
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
This paper examines the life of Christiaan Huygens, a Dutch Mathematician born in 1629. Through this examination of his life, I discuss his training, a few of his colleagues, and his major mathematical discoveries. These major discoveries include Saturn's rings, the pendulum clock, and the Wave Theory of Light. The paper then moves into Huygens's faith and the effect that this had on his work. Knowing the faith of this mathematician gives us some insight on his motivations and beliefs behind his work. Through research, I was able to find some information on how his beliefs brought about his theories; however, Huygens wasn't very open with his religious perspective. Finally, I address how my faith and study of mathematics will affect my future endeavors in life and teaching.
Recommended Citation
Norris, Anna, "Christiaan Huygens: The Discovery and Doctrine of a Mathematician" (2017). Mathematics Class Publications. 2.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/math/2
Comments
This paper was submitted as part of the History of Mathematics course (MATH 3083), taught by Dr. Stephen C. Hennagin.