欧拉(Euler)与拉格朗日(Lagrange)之间的一则轶事

看到一则轶事,关于数学家欧拉(Euler)与拉格朗日(Lagrange)。拉格朗日在19岁时写信给欧拉,概述了他所做的一些工作。而欧拉已经得出了相同的结论,他回复说:“我自己也得出了这个结论。不过,我决定不发表,以便让你获得应得的认可。”

Source: @fermatslibrary @elonmusk

这个小故事真实吗?ChatGPT的回答:

图中所描述的故事是一个流行的轶事,常被用来说明数学家之间的慷慨和相互支持,特别是欧拉在拉格朗日职业生涯中所扮演的导师角色。然而,没有直接的历史文献能够证实欧拉和拉格朗日之间确有这样的话语交流。

确实的历史事实是,约瑟夫-路易·拉格朗日在19岁时,在数学上做出了重要贡献,引起了当时伟大数学家之一的莱昂哈德·欧拉的注意。拉格朗日将他关于变分法的工作寄给了欧拉,欧拉的确非常支持他。他认可了拉格朗日的天赋,并帮助他向更广泛的数学界介绍,但图中描述的确切措辞很可能是被夸大的。

可以肯定的是,欧拉确实帮助了像拉格朗日这样的年轻数学家,并给了他们展示才华的机会,通常避免用自己巨大的影响力盖过他们的工作。
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The story depicted in the image is a popular anecdote often shared to illustrate the generosity and support that mathematicians can show toward one another, particularly the mentorship role that Euler played in Lagrange’s career. However, there is no direct historical documentation verifying this exact dialogue between Euler and Lagrange.

What is historically accurate is that Joseph-Louis Lagrange, at the age of 19, made significant contributions to mathematics that caught the attention of Leonhard Euler, who was one of the greatest mathematicians of that era. Lagrange sent Euler his work on the calculus of variations, and Euler was indeed very supportive. He recognized Lagrange’s talents and helped introduce him to the wider mathematical community, but the precise wording shown in the image is likely apocryphal or embellished.

It is well documented that Euler was instrumental in helping young mathematicians like Lagrange and gave them opportunities to shine in their own right, often refraining from overshadowing their work with his considerable influence.

可以肯定的是,Euler心胸宽广,乐于提携后辈,是个好人,正如Musk所说。

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