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

Speak easy: The educational benefits of a three-minute research talk

The ability to communicate a key message clearly and concisely to a nonspecialized audience is a critical skill to develop at all educational levels.

February 05, 2026 04:16 PM

Features

/

Article

Making magnetized plasmas in the lab

With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.

February 04, 2026 01:14 PM

Features

/

Article

Exposing life’s limits with dimensionless numbers

A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.

January 27, 2026 03:35 PM

Features

/

Article

Celebrations of the international quantum year

Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology.

January 26, 2026 02:20 PM

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