Mathematical analysis in the Russian Empire was advanced significantly by the work of Nikolay Yakovlevich Sonin, who focused on special functions and numerical integration. Born in the Tula Governorate in 1849, his research output during a decades-long career established lasting contributions to the fields of cylindrical functions, Bernoulli polynomials, and the study of definite integrals.
Academic Formation and Early Career
Sonin enrolled at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Moscow Imperial University in 1865, completing his studies there by 1869. He remained at the Imperial Moscow University until 1871, where he submitted his master's thesis. His career in higher education began at the University of Warsaw, where he held a position from 1872 until 1893. During his tenure in Warsaw, he served as rector in both 1885 and 1890.
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The research conducted by Sonin addressed complex problems in mathematical analysis, particularly regarding cylindrical functions. He is recognized for developing the Sonine formula, which calculates the integral of the product of three Bessel functions. Furthermore, he introduced the associated Laguerre polynomials and made significant advancements to the Euler-Maclaurin summation formula. His interest in numerical integration led him to expand upon the work of Chebyshev, eventually collaborating with Andrey Markov to produce a comprehensive two-volume edition of Chebyshev's collected works in both Russian and French.
Professional Life and Later Years
In 1894, Sonin transitioned to the Saint Petersburg region, teaching at the Imperial St. Petersburg University until 1899. He also taught at the University for Women and contributed to the Ministry of National Education from 1901 until 1915. He was an active member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences, and the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction. Sonin died in 1915 in Saint Petersburg and was interred at the Smolenskoye Orthodox Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1849, Tula Governorate
- Died: 1915, Saint Petersburg
- Education: Moscow Imperial University
- Key contribution: Sonine formula
- Key contribution: Associated Laguerre polynomial
- Awards: Order of the White Eagle (1910)
- Professional affiliation: Russian Academy of Sciences
- Burial site: Smolenskoye Orthodox Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What is the Sonine formula?
It is a mathematical formula derived by Nikolay Yakovlevich Sonin used for the integral of the product of three Bessel functions.
Where did Sonin hold his longest academic tenure?
He spent twenty-one years, from 1872 to 1893, as a faculty member at the University of Warsaw.
Achievements
- Order of Saint Stanislaus, 2nd class — 1881
- Order of Saint Anna, 2nd class — 1883
- Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class — 1887
- Order of St. Vladimir the Equal-to-the-Apostles (3rd class) — 1890
- Order of Saint Stanislaus, 1st class — 1896
- Notable work: Sonine formula
- Notable work: associated Laguerre polynomial
- Held posts at University of Warsaw, Russian Academy of Sciences and Saint Petersburg metropolitan area
- Fields: mathematical analysis
