Hermann Brunn

Karl Hermann Brunn (1 August 1862 – 20 September 1939) was a German mathematician who made important contributions to many areas of math. He is especially famous for his work in convex geometry, a part of geometry that studies shapes that are solid and without any dents. One of his key ideas is known as the Brunn–Minkowski inequality, which helps mathematicians understand how volumes of shapes change when they are combined.

Brunn also worked on knot theory, the study of how loops can be tied and untied in three dimensions. In 1892, he wrote an article called “Über Verkettung” where he gave examples of special kinds of linked loops now called Brunnian links. These links are interesting because, if any one loop is removed, all the other loops fall apart.

His work continues to influence mathematicians today, showing how important his ideas were and how they help us understand geometry and knots better.

Life and work

Hermann Brunn was born in Rome and grew up in Munich. He studied mathematics and physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, where he graduated in 1887 with a thesis about shapes called Über Ovale und Eiflächen (About ovals and eggforms). He later became a teacher and continued his work in mathematics.