Pick's theorem provides a simple method for calculating the area of a polygon whose vertices sit on a grid of points. First published in 1899, this mathematical tool relates the area of the shape to the number of lattice points located on its boundary and within its interior, cementing Georg Alexander Pick's standing within the history of geometry.
Academic Foundation and Career
Born in Vienna in 1859, Georg Alexander Pick received his education at the Sigmund-Freud-Gymnasium between 1870 and 1875. He continued his studies at the University of Vienna from 1875 to 1880, completing his Ph.D. under the supervision of Leo Königsberger and Emil Weyr. Following his graduation, he joined the Charles University in Prague in 1881, where he served as a lecturer. His tenure in Prague was interrupted only by a research stint at Leipzig University from 1884 to 1885, where he collaborated with Felix Klein. Throughout his career, Pick operated as a mathematician, pedagogue, and university teacher until his retirement in 1927.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Influence on Theoretical Physics
While at the German university in Prague, Pick chaired the committee responsible for the 1911 appointment of Albert Einstein to a chair of mathematical physics. During this period, Pick directed Einstein toward the absolute differential calculus developed by Italian mathematicians Gregorio Ricci-Curbastro and Tullio Levi-Civita. This introduction proved significant, as it assisted Einstein in the formulation of general relativity in 1915. Beyond his administrative work, Pick mentored various students, including Charles Loewner, Josef Grünwald, Walter Fröhlich, and Saly Struik.
Mathematical Legacy and Persecution
Pick's scholarly contributions are marked by the Pick matrix, the Schwarz–Ahlfors–Pick theorem, and the widely utilized Pick's theorem. His professional standing was recognized by his election to the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Czech Academy of Science and Art. However, after the Nazi occupation of Prague, he was expelled from the latter institution. Following the 1938 Anschluss, he returned to Prague from Vienna. In July 1942, he was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where he died on 26 July 1942.
Fast facts
- Born: 1859, Vienna
- Died: 26 July 1942, Theresienstadt concentration camp
- Citizenship: Austria
- Education: University of Vienna, Leipzig University, Sigmund-Freud-Gymnasium
- Notable Works: Pick's theorem, Pick matrix, Schwarz–Ahlfors–Pick theorem
- Employers: Charles University (1881-1927)
Questions readers ask
What is Pick's theorem?
It is a mathematical formula used to determine the area of a polygon defined by lattice points.
How did Pick influence Albert Einstein?
Pick introduced Einstein to the differential calculus of Ricci-Curbastro and Levi-Civita, which supported the development of general relativity.
Achievements
- Notable work: Pick's theorem
- Notable work: Pick matrix
- Notable work: Schwarz–Ahlfors–Pick theorem
- Affiliated with Charles University
- Educated at University of Vienna, Leipzig University and Sigmund-Freud-Gymnasium
- Worked as mathematician, pedagogue and university teacher
