Augustus de Morgan Biography and Contribution to Math World

Augustus De Morgan was known as a British mathematician and logician. He is known for creating De Morgan’s Laws and showing us the term mathematical induction. He also has a crater on the moon named after him. Augustus De Morgan was born on June 27, 1806 in Madras, India. His father was named Colonel John De Morgan, and he was employed by the East India Company 's service. Just a few months after Augustus was born, he became blind in one eye. At seven months old, his father moved the family to England because he had to serve. His father died on his way home back in 1816 when Augustus was just ten years old. De Morgan attended many private schools. Before he turned fourteen, he was fluent in Greek, Latin and Hebrew. When he was sixteen, he enrolled at Trinity College. His major was mathematics. Three years later, he got a scholarship from the school. He really enjoyed reading which sometimes interfered with his study of mathematics. He didn’t want to sign the theological tests that were mandatory for masters of arts degree which prevented him from getting his M.A. In 1828, he became a professor at The University of London in the subject of math. He was only twenty two when he gave his first lecture. A bit of trouble happened at the college so he resigned his position as a professor. But when his boss accidently drowned, he was asked to teach again. His memory was extraordinary and he was known for it. He worked with Lord Broughman. Together about the same time, they both started The Society for The Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. De Morgan was one of the reoccurring writers. The Society published The Differential and Integral Calculus which is what De Morgan wrote. He also wrote like one-sixth of articles found in the Penny Cyclopedia. While at the university, he befriended William Frend, who was also a mathematician. He got married in 1837 to Sophia Elizabeth. Sophia was one of William’s daughters. Together, they had seven children; four daughters and

Cited: Soylent Communications, . "NNDB Tracking The Entire World." Augustus De Morgan. NNDB, 2011. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://www.nndb.com/people/437/000097146/>. Orr, Robert. "Augustus De Morgan." Robert Orr, n.d. Web. 17 Mar 2011. <http://www.engr.iupui.edu/~orr/webpages/cpt120/mathbios/ademo.htm> De Morgan Industries, . "Who Is De Morgan?." Augustus De Morgan. De Morgan Industries, 2003. Web. 17 Mar 2011. <http://www.demorgan.com/demorgan.htm>.