Famous Spanish Mathematicians

François Arago was a prominent French mathematician, physicist, astronomer, freemason, and politician. He made significant contributions to the fields of optics, magnetism, and astronomy. Arago's work on the polarization of light and the nature of magnetism earned him international recognition. He also played a key role in the development of the daguerreotype photographic process. As a politician, Arago served in various government positions and was a strong advocate for scientific research and education.

Leonardo Torres Quevedo was a Spanish civil engineer, mathematician, and inventor known for his ingenious contributions to various fields of engineering, including mechanics, aeronautics, and automation. He received recognition for his inventions such as the cable car system, analog computing machines, Astra-Torres airships, and El Ajedrecista (The Chess Player). Torres pioneered research into artificial intelligence and electromechanical calculators, showcasing his innovative thinking and technological expertise. His legacy includes advancements in naval architecture and a commitment to promoting languages like Esperanto.

Avempace, also known as Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Yaḥyà ibn aṣ-Ṣā’igh at-Tūjībī ibn Bājja, was an Andalusi polymath renowned for his contributions to astronomy, physics, music, philosophy, medicine, botany, and poetry. He authored the influential work "Kitāb an-Nabāt" on botany and was a key figure in the development of Islamic philosophy, particularly in the realm of soul phenomenology. Avempace's insights in astronomy and physics were preserved by notable figures like Moses Maimonides and Averroes, impacting later astronomers and physicists in both Islamic civilization and Renaissance Europe.

Juan de Herrera was a Spanish architect, mathematician, and geometrician known for his significant contributions to the Renaissance architecture in Spain. His Herrerian style, characterized by a sober and geometric approach, became emblematic of the Spanish Empire during the reign of Philip II. Herrera's expertise extended to various fields, notably geometry and mathematics, as evidenced by his work "Discurso sobre la figura cúbica." He also played a role in military campaigns under Charles V, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.

José Celestino Mutis was a Spanish priest, botanist, and mathematician known for his contributions to the Spanish American Enlightenment. He was a key figure in the Spanish Universalist School of the 18th century, alongside Juan Andrés and Antonio Eximeno. Mutis's professional life was marked by his significant work in botany, where he conducted extensive research and studies. He played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge in Spanish America and his collaboration with Alexander von Humboldt further solidified his reputation as a respected scholar.

Abraham bar Ḥiyya was a Catalan Jewish mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher based in Barcelona. He played a crucial role in translating Islamic scientific works into Latin and introducing algebra from the Muslim world to Christian Europe. Bar Ḥiyya authored original works on mathematics, astronomy, Jewish philosophy, chronology, and surveying. His significant contributions include the first complete solution of the quadratic equation in his treatise Ḥibbur ha-Meshiḥah ve-ha-Tishboret, which greatly influenced the renowned mathematician Fibonacci.

Bernard Forest de Belidor began his career in the army before transitioning to a focus on science and engineering. He became a professor at the school of artillery of La Fère, where he delved into various subjects such as hydraulics, mathematics, and civil and military engineering. Belidor's notable work includes the publication of several important works, with his most famous being L'architecture hydraulique. He was a key figure in the use of integral calculus to solve technical problems. Belidor's impact extended beyond his publications, as he also taught Abram Petrovich Gannibal and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.