The Bordin Prize of 1909 recognized the rigorous work on hyperelliptic surfaces conducted by Michele De Franchis and Giuseppe Bagnera. This distinction marked a pivotal moment for the Italian mathematician, whose career spanned several decades of academic appointments and contributions to algebraic geometry within the Kingdom of Italy throughout the early twentieth century.
Academic Trajectory
Michele De Franchis completed his laurea at the University of Palermo in 1896, studying under Francesco Gerbaldi and Giovanni Battista Guccia. His academic career began in 1905 with his appointment as Professor of Algebra and Analytic Geometry at the University of Cagliari. By 1906, he transitioned to the University of Parma to teach Projective and Descriptive Geometry. He subsequently held a professorship at the University of Catania from 1909 until 1914. Upon the death of Guccia in 1914, he returned to the University of Palermo to occupy the chair of Analytic and Projective Geometry.
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The research conducted by De Franchis primarily addressed irregular surfaces, a significant focus for the Italian mathematical school. His work examined correspondences on curves, cyclic coverings, and bundles of holomorphic forms. His methodology employed early versions of modern geometric tools, including the Albanese map and characteristic classes. These investigations led to the formulation of the De Franchis theorem and the Castelnuovo–de Franchis theorem, which remain part of the foundation of the field.
Institutional Affiliations and Legacy
Beyond his classroom instruction at institutions including the University of Padua, De Franchis maintained an active presence in several scholarly bodies. He held memberships in the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, the Royal Academy of Italy, the Accademia Gioenia di Catania, the Accademia di scienze, lettere e arti di Palermo, and the Circolo Matematico di Palermo. He also contributed to the training of mathematicians such as Maria Ales, Antonino Lo Voi, and Margherita Beloch before his death in Palermo in 1946.
Fast facts
- Born: 1875, Palermo
- Died: 1946, Palermo
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Italy
- Award: Bordin Prize, 1909
- Education: University of Palermo
- Notable works: Castelnuovo–de Franchis theorem, De Franchis theorem
Questions readers ask
Which universities employed Michele De Franchis?
He held positions at the University of Palermo, the University of Cagliari, the University of Parma, the University of Catania, and the University of Padua.
What subjects did he teach?
His teaching roles included Algebra, Analytic Geometry, and Projective and Descriptive Geometry.
Achievements
- Bordin Prize — 1909
- Notable work: De Franchis theorem
- Notable work: Castelnuovo–de Franchis theorem
- Held posts at University of Palermo, University of Padua and University of Cagliari
