John Casey (mathematician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Casey
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| Born | 12 May 1820 Kilbehenny, County Limerick, Ireland
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| Died | 3 January 1891 (aged 70) |
| Education | Trinity College Dublin |
| Occupation | geometer, teacher |
| Employer | University College, Stephen's Green |
| Known for | Casey's theorem |
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John Casey was a brilliant Irish mathematician. He was born in Kilbehenny, County Limerick, Ireland, on May 12, 1820. He passed away in Dublin on January 3, 1891.
John Casey was especially good at geometry, which is a branch of mathematics dealing with shapes and sizes. He is famous for something called Casey's theorem. This theorem helps us understand how circles can touch four other circles in special ways. It's like an advanced version of another famous math idea, Ptolemy's theorem.
He also came up with many new ideas and ways to prove things in Euclidean geometry. This is the kind of geometry we often learn in school. John Casey, along with another mathematician named Émile Lemoine, helped create what we now call modern geometry of circles and triangles.
Life and Education
John Casey was born in Kilbehenny, a place in Limerick, Ireland. He went to school nearby in Mitchelstown. After finishing his studies, he started working as a teacher. He taught for the Board of National Education.
Later, he became the headmaster of the Central Model Schools in Kilkenny City. In 1858, he decided to continue his own education. He enrolled at Trinity College Dublin.
He worked very hard and was chosen as a Scholar in 1861. This is a special honor given to students who show great academic ability. He earned his BA degree in 1862. After that, he taught mathematics at Kingston School from 1862 to 1873.
John Casey then became a professor. He taught Higher Mathematics and Mathematical Physics. This was at the new Catholic University of Ireland from 1873 to 1881. Later, he became a lecturer in Mathematics at University College Dublin. He worked there until he passed away in 1891.
Awards and Recognition
John Casey's amazing work in mathematics was recognized by many. In 1869, the University of Dublin gave him an honorary degree. This means they honored him with a Doctor of Laws degree because of his contributions.
In June 1875, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. He was also elected to the Royal Irish Academy. In 1880, he became a member of their council.
The Royal Irish Academy gave him the special Cunningham Gold Medal in 1878. This medal is given to people who have done outstanding scientific research. Even the government of Norway recognized his work. In 1884, he became a member of the Societe Mathematique de France. He also received another honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1885 from the Royal University of Ireland.
