1499-1557

Italian Mathematician

Tartaglia, whose given name was Nicolò Fontana, is remembered for a number of achievements in applied mathematics, as well as for his translations of Euclid (c. 325-c. 250 B.C.) and Archimedes (c. 287-212 B.C.) His most memorable achievement, however, was his work in algebra leading to a generalized solution of cubic equations. The latter placed him at the center of a heated conflict involving fellow mathematicians Girolamo Cardano (1501-1576) and Cardano's assistant Ludovico Ferrari (1522-1565).

Born in Brescia, Italy, in 1499, Nicolò Fontana was the son of a humble postal courier who died when he was seven. The family was rendered destitute by the father's death, and as if this were not enough, the French army attacked the town five years later. A French soldier disfigured young Nicolò's face, cutting his mouth so badly it was difficult for him to talk thereafter. Therefore he...