Niels Henrik Abel Biography
(Mathematician)
Birthday: August 5, 1802 (Leo)
Born In: Finnøy
Niels Henrik Abel was a Norwegian mathematician who discovered the Abelian functions, named after him. He was a brilliant mathematician known for his pioneering works in several fields of the subject. Born as the son of a poor Lutheran minister, he received his early education from his father before attending the Cathedral School. He had the good fortune of having the prominent mathematician, Bernt Michael Holmboe, as his teacher in school. Holmboe recognized the potential in the young Niels and realized that the young boy was truly gifted. Thus the teacher took it upon himself to tutor the boy and encourage his mathematical abilities. However, there were problems galore at the Abel household as his mother was an alcoholic who never took any interest in her children. Also the family struggled in poverty which cast a question mark over Niels’ future. Again Holmboe came to the rescue of his protégé and enabled him to acquire a scholarship for his further education. Abel gained recognition as the most knowledgeable mathematician in Norway by the time he was 20. Within the next few years he made several important discoveries though he never achieved the success he deserved during his lifetime. Unfortunately he died of an illness at the young age of 26
Celebrities Born On My Birthday?