Carl Friedrich Gauss between pure and applied mathematics (Q951765): Difference between revisions

The article gives a survey of Gauss' main scientific activities, in particular in algebra and number theory, astronomy and method of least squares, geodesy, and magnetism. On the basis of his own sayings, Carl Friedrich Gauss is shown as a mathematician with interest both in pure and in applied mathematics. His chief aim was -- independent of the question of a theoretical or an applied character of his research -- to reach cognitive profit. Gauss was very interested in applications, ``however considered them secondary'' (p. 231).