<p>Charles Hermite (December 24, 1822 – January 14, 1901) was a French mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of number theory and algebra. He is best known for his work on the theory of elliptic functions, and for his proof of the general law of quadratic reciprocity, which is a fundamental result in the theory of numbers. He was also the first to prove that e, the base of the natural logarithm, is a transcendental number, which means it is not the root of any algebraic equation with rational coefficients.</p><p></p><p>Hermite began his career as a mathematician at the École Polytechnique in Paris, where he earned his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1847. He later worked at the Collège de France, where he carried out research on number theory and algebra.</p><p></p><p>In 1858, Hermite proved that e, the base of the natural logarithm, is a transcendental number, which means it is not the root of any algebraic equation with rational coefficients. This proved that e is a unique mathematical constant that can not be defined by any algebraic equation, and it was a important step in the development of the theory of functions.</p><p></p><p>In 1873 Hermite proved the general law of quadratic reciprocity, which is a fundamental result in the theory of numbers. The law deals with the solvability of certain types of equations involving prime numbers, and it is considered one of the most important results in the theory of numbers.</p><p></p><p>Hermite's contributions to the field of number theory and algebra were groundbreaking, and his proof of the general law of quadratic reciprocity and the transcendence of e had a significant impact on the field. He was honored with many awards and honors for his</p><p></p><p></p>