Weierstrass, Karl

Weierstrass, Karl (Theodor Wilhelm)

(born Oct. 31, 1815, Ostenfelde, Bavaria—died Feb. 19, 1897, Berlin) German mathematician. He taught principally at the University of Berlin (from 1856). After many years of working in isolation, an article in 1854 initiated a string of important contributions, which he disseminated mainly through lectures. He is known for his work on the theory of functions, and he is called the father of modern analysis. His greatest influence was felt through his students, many of whom went on to make important contributions to mathematics.