1814-1848

French mathematician who earned fame for his work on solving equations using radicals. He also published proofs of several famous problems in geometry, verifying that certain problems could not be solved using only a ruler and compass. Wantzel excelled in other areas as well, including physics, history, philosophy, and writing. He died at the early age of 34, apparently due to overwork as his body was unable to keep pace with the rigors of his mind.