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German mathematician who proved  (pi  ) to be an irrational number and introduced
hyperbolic functions. He devised techniques for measuring light intensity accurately. He also wrote
influential books on geometry, the theory of cartography, and perspective in art. His
book on geometry Die Theorie der Parallellinen (1786) foreshadowed the discovery of
non-Euclidean geometry. When asked by Frederick II in which science he was most proficient,
Lambert modestly replied "All" (Boyer 1968, p. 504).
Additional biographies: MacTutor (St. Andrews), Bonn
Boyer, C. B. A History of Mathematics. New York: Wiley, 1968.
Lambert, J. H. Notes and Comments on the Composition of Terrestrial and Celestial Maps. Publ. 8. University of Michigan, 1972.
© 1996-2007 Eric W. Weisstein
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