Mathematician:Michael Stifel

Mathematician

German monk and mathematician who made significant advances in mathematical notation, including the juxtaposition technique for indicating multiplication.

The first to use the term exponent. Published rules for calculation of powers.

The first to use a standard method to solve quadratic equations.

Also an early adopter of negative and irrational numbers.

Nationality

German

History

• Born: 1487 in Esslingen, Germany
• 19 April 1567 in Jena, Germany

Publications

• 1522: Von der christförmingen Lehre Luthers ein überaus schön künstlich Lied samt seiner Nebenauslegung
• 1532: Ein Rechenbüchlein vom Endchrist. Apocalypsis in Apocalypsim
• 1544: Arithmetica integra
• 1545: Deutsche Arithmetica
• 1546: Welsche Practick

Also known as

The forms of his surname Styfel, Styffel, Stieffell and Stieffel can all be seen, as can the Latin version of his name Stifelius.

Sources

• John J. O'Connor and Edmund F. Robertson: "Michael Stifel": MacTutor History of Mathematics archive

• 1986: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers ... (previous) ... (next): A List of Mathematicians in Chronological Sequence
• 1997: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): A List of Mathematicians in Chronological Sequence