Henri Cartan | Mathematician, 104

Henri Cartan, 104, who was known as one of the world's foremost mathematicians of the last half of the 20th century, died Aug. 13 in Paris.

Almost all of Dr. Cartan's career was spent in France, and he was acclaimed for his research in pure mathematics, including algebra, topology and the analytic functions of complex variables. He was also an influential writer and teacher.

At least two of his pupils won Nobel Prizes, one in economics and one in physics. Two others received the Fields Medal, which is awarded for accomplishment in mathematics and is regarded as the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize. In 1980, Dr. Cartan received the Wolf Prize, also one of the highest honors in mathematics.

Among mathematicians, Dr. Cartan was remembered as the last survivor of the Bourbaki group, a kind of cabal of younger, rebellious French mathematicians who in the 1930s essentially rewrote the book on their subject. Their work extended to 36 volumes, which were carefully studied for years.

In the United States, he worked with Samuel Eilenberg, another important mathematician of the 20th century. Their 1956 book, Homological Algebra, was regarded as a classic of mathematics and a reference for many researchers.

He also was known for his advocacy on behalf of mathematicians, including some in the Soviet Union, who were persecuted for their politics.

- Washington Post