Along with Simeon-Denis Poisson, Charles Emile Picard was the most important and distinguished French mathematician of his day. Not only was he an avid supporter of other mathematicians and a gifted teacher, he made many contributions of his own, including advances in algebraic geometry and linear differential equations.

Picard was born in Paris, France on July 24, 1856, the son of a silk factory director. His father died during the siege of Paris in 1870, prompting his mother to work to support her two sons and keep them in school. Picard attended school at Lycée Henri IV, where he was a superb student and especially enjoyed history, Latin, Greek, and literature. Picard was an active child and young man, frequently practicing gymnastics and mountain climbing. Near the end of his secondary school years, he read a book on algebra that convinced him to make mathematics his profession.

In 1874, Picard...