Hilbert is considered one of the leading mathematicians of his time (late 1800's and early 1900's). A German native, Hilbert graduated from the University of Konigsberg and worked there as a senior lecturer for 10 years. After he married, he obtained a position (thanks to the connections of his father-in-law) at the University of Gottingen as a professor of mathematics. He advised and collaborated with many of the 20 century's top mathematicians, including his assistant John von Neumann. He is noted for his work in algebraic number theory, functional analysis, integral equations, mathematical physics, and calculus. His is likely most famous for:
- Finiteness theorem - HIlbert showed that although there were an infinite number of possible equations, it was nevertheless possible to split them up into a finite number of types of equations which could then be used, almost like a set of building blocks, to produce all the other equations.
- Study of Euclid's axioms - 20 axiomatizations (known as Hilbert's axioms) published in his book The Foundations of Geometry.
- The 23 Problems - presented in his speech The Problems of Mathematics - unsolved mathematical problems (some have now been solved but many remain unsolved)
Sources:
"David Hilbert." Hilbert Biography. University of St. Andrews Scotland, n.d. Web. 26 June 2014. <http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Hilbert.html>
"David Hilbert." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 27 June 2014. Web. 27 June 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hilbert>
Mastin, Luke. "Hilbert - 20th Century Mathematics - The Story of Mathematics." Hilbert - 20th Century Mathematics - The Story of Mathematics. The Story of Mathematics, 2010. Web. 27 June 2014. <http://www.storyofmathematics.com/20th_hilbert.html>
"David Hilbert." Hilbert Biography. University of St. Andrews Scotland, n.d. Web. 26 June 2014. <http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Hilbert.html>
"David Hilbert." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 27 June 2014. Web. 27 June 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hilbert>
Mastin, Luke. "Hilbert - 20th Century Mathematics - The Story of Mathematics." Hilbert - 20th Century Mathematics - The Story of Mathematics. The Story of Mathematics, 2010. Web. 27 June 2014. <http://www.storyofmathematics.com/20th_hilbert.html>