The academic career of Harris Hancock spanned significant developments in algebraic number theory and elliptic functions during the early twentieth century. Operating primarily within the United States, Hancock focused his scholarly efforts on the rigorous exploration of foundational mathematical structures, eventually producing a substantial body of published texts that facilitated advanced research in the field of analysis.
Academic Training
Born at the Ellerslie estate in Albemarle County, Virginia, on May 14, 1867, Hancock began his formal training at the University of Virginia, completing his studies there in 1886. He continued his education at Johns Hopkins University, where he received an AB in 1888. His international doctoral studies took place at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, resulting in an AM and PhD in 1894. He later obtained an ScD from the University of Paris in 1901.
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Hancock maintained a long-standing association with the University of Cincinnati, where he served as a professor of mathematics. His work concentrated on specialized areas such as algebraic number theory, elliptic functions, and the calculus of variations. His output included both journal articles and foundational textbooks, some of which saw republication decades after their initial release.
Publications and Contributions
His bibliography includes notable works such as Lectures on the calculus of variations (1904), Lectures on the theory of elliptic functions (1910), and Theory of maxima and minima (1917). In the later stages of his career, he authored Foundations of the theory of algebraic numbers (1931) and Development of the Minkowski geometry of numbers (1939). These publications served as standardized references for students and peers engaged in complex analysis.
Fast facts
- Born: May 14, 1867, Albemarle County
- Died: March 19, 1944, Albemarle County
- Citizenship: United States
- Primary Occupation: University teacher and mathematician
- Education: University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, University of Paris
- Spouse: Belle Lyman Clay
- Brother: Arthur B. Hancock
Questions readers ask
Where did Harris Hancock teach?
He was a mathematics professor at the University of Cincinnati.
What subjects did his books cover?
His writings focused on algebraic number theory, elliptic functions, the calculus of variations, and the Minkowski geometry of numbers.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Cincinnati
- Fields: mathematics
