1796-1863

Swiss mathematician who was one of the greatest contributors in the field of projective geometry. Steiner made several important contributions to geometry, including the Steiner surface (which has an infinite number of conic sections) and the Poncelet-Steiner theorem, which states that only one given circle and one straight edge are required for any Euclidean construction. Contrary to feelings expressed by Moritz Pasch, Steiner felt that excessive calculation replaced thinking, but the practice of geometry stimulated it.