Sturm's theorem, a method for determining the number and location of real roots in a polynomial, stands as the most prominent discovery by this Genevan mathematician. Born in 1803, he dedicated his career to advancing mathematical physics, ultimately securing a place among the scientific elite of nineteenth-century France through rigorous analytical work and influential academic appointments.
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Jacques Charles François Sturm attended the University of Geneva from 1819 until 1823. Following the death of his father, he took a position as a tutor for the family of Germaine de Staël between 1823 and 1825. During this period, he moved to Paris and collaborated with Jean-Daniel Colladon. In 1826, the pair conducted the first experimental measurement of the speed of sound through water.
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Sturm gained recognition in 1829 for his work on real-root isolation. Following the 1830 revolution, which removed religious barriers to public sector employment, he taught at the Collège-lycée Jacques-Decour from 1833 to 1838. He later held roles at the École polytechnique and the University of Paris from 1838 to 1851. His research output included the Sturm–Liouville theory, the Sturm–Picone comparison theorem, the Sturm separation theorem, and Sturm series.
Professional Honors and Final Years
Sturm received the Grand prix des sciences mathématiques in 1834 and was named an Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1837. In 1840, he was elected a Foreign Member of the Royal Society and awarded the Copley Medal. He held memberships in the French Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences. He died in 1855 and was buried at Montparnasse Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1803, Geneva
- Died: 1855, Paris
- Citizenship: Switzerland, France, Republic of Geneva
- Notable Award: Copley Medal (1840)
- Notable Award: Officer of the Legion of Honour (1837)
- Legacy: One of 72 names on the Eiffel Tower
- Religion: Reformed
- Resting Place: Montparnasse Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What is Sturm's theorem?
It is a mathematical method used to determine the number and location of the real roots of a polynomial.
Where did Charles Sturm teach?
He taught at the Collège-lycée Jacques-Decour, the École polytechnique, and the University of Paris.
Achievements
- Copley Medal — 1840
- Notable work: Sturm's theorem
- Notable work: Sturm separation theorem
- Notable work: Sturm–Picone comparison theorem
- Notable work: Sturm–Liouville theory
- Held posts at École polytechnique, University of Paris and Germaine de Staël
- Fields: mathematical physics and mathematics
