In 1697 Jean Bernoulli posed a problem that stumped ordinary minds, some great minds, and some brilliant minds. It did not stump one particular mind. That mind’s solution to the problem was in itself a declaration of the author, for only one person was smart enough to solve the problem in a flash.
Bernoulli’s problem dealt with two points and a question. What is the curve along which a particle could fall from the upper point to the lower one in the least time? The Royal Society gave the problem to Isaac Newton in the afternoon, and he gave the solution the next morning, reportedly having solved it before retiring for the evening.
When the Royal Society sent the solution to Bernoulli without the name of the person who solved the problem, Bernoulli supposedly exclaimed, “Tanquam ex ungue leonem,” an expression that means “as the lion is known by its claw.” Bernoulli recognized Newton in his work, acknowledging the great mathematician’s reputation: The hand of Newton was in his work.
What if you didn’t sign your work? What if you went about quietly solving problems for others? No fanfare, no awards, and no breast-beating? Would we recognize you in your work?
Bernoulli’s problem dealt with two points and a question. What is the curve along which a particle could fall from the upper point to the lower one in the least time? The Royal Society gave the problem to Isaac Newton in the afternoon, and he gave the solution the next morning, reportedly having solved it before retiring for the evening.
When the Royal Society sent the solution to Bernoulli without the name of the person who solved the problem, Bernoulli supposedly exclaimed, “Tanquam ex ungue leonem,” an expression that means “as the lion is known by its claw.” Bernoulli recognized Newton in his work, acknowledging the great mathematician’s reputation: The hand of Newton was in his work.
What if you didn’t sign your work? What if you went about quietly solving problems for others? No fanfare, no awards, and no breast-beating? Would we recognize you in your work?
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