Gerolamo Cardano

Girolamo Cardano. Stipple engraving by R. Cooper. Wellcome V0001004

Italian Renaissance mathematician, physician, and astrologer

Gerolamo Cardano

Portrait of Gerolamo Cardano

Born	24 September 1501
Birth place	Pavia, Duchy of Milan
Died	21 September 1576 (aged 74)
Place of death	Rome, Papal States
Nationality	Italian
Known for	Cardano's formula, Cardan shaft, Cardano's rings

Gerolamo Cardano (24 September 1501 – 21 September 1576) was an Italian Renaissance mathematician, physician, astrologer, and philosopher. He is best known for his work in algebra and for the invention of several mechanical devices, including the Cardan shaft and Cardano's rings.

Early Life

Cardano was born in Pavia, in the Duchy of Milan. His father, Fazio Cardano, was a lawyer and a close friend of Leonardo da Vinci. Despite his father's wishes for him to pursue a career in law, Cardano showed an early interest in mathematics and the natural sciences.

Career

Cardano studied at the University of Pavia and later at the University of Padua, where he earned his degree in medicine. He became a prominent physician and was known for his work on hypochondria and other medical conditions. Cardano's medical practice was highly successful, and he was appointed as a professor of medicine at the University of Bologna.

Mathematics

Cardano made significant contributions to algebra, particularly in the solution of cubic equations. His most famous work, Ars Magna (The Great Art), published in 1545, contains the first published solution to cubic and quartic equations. This work also includes the introduction of complex numbers.

Inventions

Cardano is credited with the invention of several mechanical devices. The Cardan shaft, also known as the universal joint, is used in many modern machines to transmit rotary motion. Cardano's rings are used in gimbals to allow the rotation of an object in multiple dimensions.

Astrology and Philosophy

Cardano was also an accomplished astrologer and philosopher. He wrote extensively on these subjects, and his works include detailed horoscopes and philosophical treatises. His book De Subtilitate (On Subtlety) explores various scientific and philosophical topics.

Personal Life

Cardano's personal life was marked by tragedy and controversy. He faced numerous legal and financial difficulties, and his son was executed for poisoning his wife. Despite these challenges, Cardano continued to work and publish until his death in 1576 in Rome.

Legacy

Gerolamo Cardano's contributions to mathematics, medicine, and mechanics have had a lasting impact. His work laid the foundation for many modern scientific and mathematical principles, and his inventions continue to be used in various applications today.

Related Pages

• Algebra
• Complex number
• Cubic equation
• Renaissance
• University of Pavia
• University of Padua
• University of Bologna