Russia USSR stamp year 1951 Ostrogradsky Russian Mathmatician

Russia USSR stamp year 1951 Ostrogradsky Russian Mathmatician Used

Mikhail Vasilievich Ostrogradsky (1801–1862) was a Russian mathematician of Ukrainian origin, known for his significant contributions to mathematical physics, calculus, and mechanics. He was active during the time of the Russian Empire, not the USSR (which was established later in 1922).

Ostrogradsky is best known for:

• Ostrogradsky’s theorem, a generalization of the divergence theorem in vector calculus.
• His work on integral calculus, particularly methods for integrating rational functions.
• Contributions to mechanics and elasticity theory.
• His critique of the lack of rigor in Joseph Fourier’s mathematical work.

Ostrogradsky studied at the University of Kharkiv and later in France, where he was influenced by mathematicians like Cauchy and Laplace. His work played an important role in the development of mathematical physics in Russia.