Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

Mathematician, physicist and philosopher — Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (Leipzig 1646 – Hanover 1716) was a German mathematician, physicist and philosopher, one of the most universal minds of the modern age. Trained as a lawyer, he worked for decades in the service of the Dukes of Hanover as counsellor, diplomat and librarian. In mathematics he developed infinitesimal calculus independently of Newton, introducing the notation with the symbols $d$ and $\int$ still in use today. In physics he introduced the concept of vis viva ($mv^2$), a forerunner of kinetic energy, contributing to the debate on conserved quantities in motion. He also devised the binary numeral system, the foundation of digital computing, and a mechanical calculating machine.

Trivia

He was at the centre of a bitter controversy with Newton over priority in the invention of infinitesimal calculus, a dispute that poisoned relations between English and continental mathematicians for over a century.

Theories and contributions

• Infinitesimal calculus — Development of derivatives and integrals with the modern notation $\frac{dy}{dx}$ and $\int f\,dx$.
• Vis viva — Quantity $mv^2$ conserved in collisions, precursor of kinetic energy $\tfrac{1}{2}mv^2$.
• Binary system — Representation of numbers using only two digits, 0 and 1, the basis of modern computing.

Present in chapters

02

Linked atoms

1 linked atoms.

02 Forze e leggi di Newton

• Newton’s Principia