Joseph Fourier was a French mathematician, born on 21 March 1768 in Auxerre, France. His name is closely associated with the Fourier series and Fourier transform, mathematical tools utilised in a wide range of applications. He is also one of the 72 scientists and mathematicians whose names are engraved on the Eiffel Tower.
Fourier is celebrated for his extraordinary analytical skills and his pioneering theory of heat, which opened up an entirely new branch of physics and mathematics.
According to Cédric Villani, a mathematician and Fields Medal laureate, Fourier’s work placed him at the forefront of scientific innovation.
“For the generations after him, Fourier remained the emblematic hero of mathematical physics. Some people even say he’s the creator of mathematical physics,” Villani said.
Fourier was among the first mathematicians to express heat phenomena using mathematical equations. His groundbreaking work, presented in his 1822 publication The Analytical Theory of Heat, demonstrated how heat flows through materials, using what are now known as Fourier series and Fourier transforms.
These tools have since become indispensable in physics, engineering, and applied mathematics.
Fourier famously stated in Latin, “Fire obeys the laws of numbers,” encapsulating his belief in the universality of mathematical principles.
His methods and equations extended far beyond the study of heat, finding applications in diverse areas such as signal processing, climate science, and quantum mechanics.
Villani noted that Lord Kelvin, another prominent mathematician and physicist, described Fourier’s contributions as “a great mathematical poem,” emphasising their elegance and profound impact. Fourier’s theory of heat conduction not only revolutionised physics but also laid the foundation for mathematical physics as a discipline.
Fourier’s influence was not confined to academia. In 1802, he was appointed prefect of the Isère regional district under Napoleon’s administration. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the region’s infrastructure, including supporting the construction of roads and canals.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Fourier’s life was tragically cut short. He died in 1830 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape modern science and mathematics.