René Descartes

René Descartes (1596 - 1650) Photo: German Museum Munich

René Descartes came from the Touraine and led the life of an aristocrat. In 1616 he left the University of Poitiers, with a degree in jurisprudence, where he was intent on discovering a comprehensive world equation. Following a brief stay in Paris, he served as a volunteer to the Dutch Prince, Moritz of Nassau. He later also served the Duchess of Bavaria. Residing in different castles, he led a secluded life. Only one monk knew of his whereabouts and provided a line of communication with the remaining scholars. During his stay in Holland, Queen Christine of Sweden became aware of Descartes and his work, offering him a position within her court. She was only 20 years of age, with a cast-iron resolution to have things her own way, combined with her immense physical strength. Descartes gave in after one year, boarding the ship sent by the Swedish queen. Even as a small child, Descartes had the habit of sleeping in until 11 a.m., even making him late for school. This lifestyle continued until his time with Christine of Sweden. The Nordic Amazon insisted upon being taught during the prayer hour, from 5 to 6 a.m. For this reason, after a three-week transitional period, Descartes had to completely alter his way of life. After three months his health began to suffer, due to the cold temperatures of the library within the royal palace. He then soon died at the age of 54.

The Cartesian co-ordinate system is named after Descartes. He published his ideas in 1637 in his book, "Le Dicours de la Méthode", wherein "Geometrie" was added as an appendix. This appendix contained the idea of the diagram, in which the intersecting lines represent the axes. He proved that geometric diagrams can be drawn from algebraic equations when displayed as a sequence, and conversely that geometrical diagrams can be changed into sequences of numbers. Furthermore, we can thank Descartes for the idea that x can signify the unknown in an equation, and for the expression x³, as opposed to xxx as well as for the famous saying:

"Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).