# Michel Chasles

> French mathematician (1793–1880)

**Wikidata**: [Q318067](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318067)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Chasles)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michel-chasles

## Summary
Michel Chasles was a French mathematician known for his foundational work in geometry and mathematical analysis during the 19th century. He made significant contributions to the fields of projective geometry and statics, and his research helped shape modern geometric theory. His name is among those inscribed on the Eiffel Tower, honoring his scientific legacy.

## Biography
- Born: November 15, 1793
- Nationality: France
- Education: École polytechnique, Lycée Louis-le-Grand
- Known for: Contributions to projective geometry and enumerative geometry
- Employer(s): École polytechnique, University of Paris
- Field(s): Mathematics, geometry, projective geometry, harmonic analysis

## Contributions
Michel Chasles developed key theorems in projective geometry and contributed to the understanding of geometric properties invariant under projection. He is particularly known for:
- **Chasles' Theorem** – a fundamental result in kinematics regarding the motion of rigid bodies, stating that any rigid body displacement can be described as a screw motion.
- He authored foundational texts such as *Aperçu historique sur l'origine et le développement des méthodes en géométrie* (1837), which examined the historical development of geometric methods.
- He also published *Traité de géométrie supérieure* (1852), which became a standard reference in higher geometry.
- His work laid the groundwork for modern projective and algebraic geometry.

## FAQs
### What is Michel Chasles known for?
Michel Chasles is known for his significant contributions to projective geometry and the study of geometric properties invariant under projection. He also developed Chasles' Theorem, which is fundamental in the study of rigid body motion.

### Where did Michel Chasles work?
He worked as a professor at the University of Paris and was affiliated with the École polytechnique. He also contributed to the academic community through his membership in several learned societies.

### What were Michel Chasles's major publications?
His major works include:
- *Aperçu historique sur l'origine et le développement des méthodes en géométrie* (1837)
- *Traité de géométrie supérieure* (1852)
These works were instrumental in the development of geometric theory and historical understanding of mathematics.

### What awards did Michel Chasles receive?
He received the Copley Medal from the Royal Society of London and was made a Commander of the Legion of Honour. He was also a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is among the 72 names inscribed on the Eiffel Tower.

### What fields did Michel Chasles contribute to?
Michel Chasles contributed to:
- Projective geometry
- Enumerative geometry
- Harmonic analysis
- Statics and kinematics
His work influenced the development of modern mathematical theory and education.

## Why They Matter
Michel Chasles's contributions to geometry, particularly projective geometry, were foundational in shaping the field in the 19th century. His historical analysis of geometry provided context and clarity to the evolution of mathematical thought. His work influenced generations of mathematicians and established key principles in geometric theory that are still relevant today.

## Notable For
- Development of Chasles' Theorem in kinematics
- Contributions to projective geometry and enumerative geometry
- Authoring *Aperçu historique sur l'origine et le développement des méthodes en géométrie* (1837)
- Authoring *Traité de géométrie supérieure* (1852)
- Recipient of the Copley Medal from the Royal Society
- Elected to the French Academy of Sciences
- Honored with a name inscription on the Eiffel Tower
- Membership in the Royal Society of London and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Michel Chasles was born on November 15, 1793. He was a student at the prestigious École polytechnique and later at the University of Paris. His early education laid the foundation for his lifelong focus on geometry and mathematical analysis.

### Career
Michel Chasles's career was primarily academic. He was a university teacher and made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in projective geometry. He was affiliated with:
- École polytechnique
- University of Paris
He was a member of several learned societies, including:
- French Academy of Sciences
- Royal Society of London
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei
- Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences
- Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences
- Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
- Academy of Sciences of Turin
- Accademia Nazionale delle Scienze detta dei XL
- Russian Academy of Sciences
- National Academy of Sciences (USA)

### Contributions to Geometry
Chasles's most significant contributions were in the field of geometry:
- He is known for Chasles' Theorem, which pertains to the motion of rigid bodies.
- He authored *Aperçu historique sur l'origine et le développement des méthodes en géométrie* (1837), a historical and methodological analysis of geometry.
- He also published *Traité de géométrie supérieure* (1852), which became a standard reference in higher geometry.

### Awards and Recognition
Michel Chasles received numerous honors:
- Copley Medal from the Royal Society of London
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Name inscribed on the Eiffel Tower among 72 notable scientists and engineers

### Legacy
Michel Chasles's legacy includes foundational contributions to geometry and mathematical analysis. His work laid the groundwork for modern projective and algebraic geometry. His influence extended to both education and research, shaping the understanding of geometric properties and their historical development.

### Publications
- *Aperçu historique sur l'origine et le développement des méthodes en géométrie* (1837)
- *Traité de géométrie supérieure* (1852)

These works remain significant in the study of geometry and mathematical history.

## References

1. www.accademiadellescienze.it
2. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
5. BnF authorities
6. birth certificate
7. [French Academy of Sciences](https://www.academie-sciences.fr/archivage_site/academie/membre/liste_president.htm)
8. Mathematics Genealogy Project
9. [CHASLES Michel (1793-1880). Cimetières de France et d'ailleurs](http://www.landrucimetieres.fr/spip/spip.php?article3633)
10. Find a Grave
11. [Source](https://www.landrucimetieres.fr/spip/spip.php?article3633)
12. [Award winners : Copley Medal. Royal Society](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1336391689&single=true)
13. [Source](https://www.amacad.org/person/michel-chasles)
14. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007
15. [Source](https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr/le-monument/tour-eiffel-et-sciences)
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. CiNii Research
19. Léonore database
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22. GeneaStar
23. La France savante
24. [Departmental archives of Eure-et-Loir](https://archives28.fr/ark:66007/s005303206a0e876/53033af80cdef.fiche=arko_fiche_6241b1bc1882d.moteur=arko_default_6241bc24d7427)
25. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
26. [Le Figaro. 1880](http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k277688n/f1)
27. CONOR.SI
28. [Source](https://archives28.fr/ark:66007/s005303206a0e876/53033af80cdef.fiche=arko_fiche_6241b1bc1882d.moteur=arko_default_6241bc24d7427)
29. LIBRIS. 2012
30. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
31. Digital Scriptorium Catalog