Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier (Fourier Jean-Baptiste-Joseph)

(1768-1830)
Born March 21, 1768 in Auxerre, where he graduated from the Military School. In 1796-1798 he taught in the normal and the Ecole Polytechnique. In 1798, together with other scientists took part in the Egyptian campaign of Napoleon. On his return to France in 1802 was appointed Prefect of Isц?re, with headquarters in Grenoble. Here Fourier wrote his main work - Analytical theory of heat (Thorie analytique de la chaleur, . 1822), . which sets out the theory of heat, . which was the basis of modern methods of mathematical physics, . related to the integration of partial differential equations with given boundary conditions,
. Fourier method consisted in the representation of functions in the form of trigonometric series (Fourier series) and has found wide application in various fields of physics and mathematics. In addition, Fourier built the first mathematical theory of heat radiation, first applied the formula of dimensions. In 1823, regardless of H. Oersted discovered the thermoelectric effect, showed that he possesses the property of superposition, created the first thermoelectric element.
In 1808 Fourier was the title of baron and was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor. In 1817 he was elected a member of the Paris Academy of Sciences, in 1822 - Secretary of the Academy. As a member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London.

Fourier died in Paris on May 16, 1830.