Michele De Franchis belongs to the mathematical record as a figure whose results outlasted the problems that prompted them.
The record lists Michele De Franchis as Italian mathematician (1875-1946).
Michele De Franchis was born at Palermo in 1875. His recorded nationality is Italy. He studied at University of Palermo.
Around the turn of the twentieth century the foundations of mathematics were under open attack, and set theory and logic became urgent questions.
His academic posts were held at University of Palermo, University of Padua and University of Cagliari.
Among his principal contributions are De Franchis theorem and Castelnuovo–de Franchis theorem. Mathematics is the one discipline whose results, once proved, are never overturned.
Recognition followed: Bordin Prize (1909).
That the work was done from Italy matters: mathematical training, institutions and the language of publication have never been evenly distributed.
Michele De Franchis died in 1946, aged 71. The proofs remain, and a proof does not decay - which is the particular permanence mathematics offers.
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
