Discover

Share

Download

Features

/

Article

The visionary ideas of Bernhard Riemann

DEC 01, 1967

Although the life of this scientist was lamentably short, his insights into physics and mathematics are of lasting value. By applying a kind of religious devotion to his scientific work, Riemann left a legacy of concepts.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3034057

Martin P. Jaggi

GEORG FRIEDRICH BERNHARD RIEMANN ranks among the most important mathematicians and theoretical physicists of the 19th century. Although he died at the age of 39, he managed to devote 17 years of his life to the visionary concepts of his work. His areas of interest were varied, and today we know that Riemann anticipated a large part of the research in mathematics and physics of our century. We can safely assume that the history of these two subjects would have taken a different course had he been granted the life span of Isaac Newton, Leonhard Euler or Karl Friedrich Gauss.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the Authors

Martin P. Jaggi. Sate Technological Institute of Berne.

© 1967 American Institute of Physics

Physics Today is looking for a Senior Editor. Apply Now.

Related content

Features

/

Article

A brief guide to science outreach

Figuring out how to communicate with the public can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for getting started.

December 16, 2025 04:38 PM

Features

/

Article

The urgent need for research governance of solar geoengineering

Amid growing investment in planetary-scale climate intervention strategies that alter sunlight reflection, global communities deserve inclusive and accountable oversight of research.

December 15, 2025 12:05 PM

Features

/

Article

Superconducting quantum circuits: At the heart of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics

Although motivated by the fundamental exploration of the weirdness of the quantum world, the prizewinning experiments have led to a promising branch of quantum computing technology.

November 25, 2025 03:04 PM

Features

/

Article

Solid-state batteries: Hype, hopes, and hurdles

As conventional lithium-ion battery technology approaches its theoretical limits, researchers are studying alternative architectures with solid electrolytes.

November 10, 2025 10:22 AM

This Content Appeared In

Volume 20, Number 12

Get PT in your inbox

PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

One email per week

PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

One email per month

PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

1 to 2 emails per week