Richard Birkeland is remembered in mathematics for work the next generation could build on.
The record lists Richard Birkeland as Norwegian mathematician (1879–1928).
Richard Birkeland was born at Farsund Municipality in 1879. His recorded nationality is Norway.
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 Norwegian Institute of Technology and University of Oslo.
Mathematics accumulates without discarding: a proof from two thousand years ago is still a proof.
The honours record reads: Knight of the Order of St. Olav.
That the work was done from Norway matters: mathematical training, institutions and the language of publication have never been evenly distributed.
Richard Birkeland died in 1928, aged 49. The proofs remain, and a proof does not decay - which is the particular permanence mathematics offers.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of St. Olav
- Held posts at Norwegian Institute of Technology and University of Oslo
