The first internationally recognized
Finnish mathematician

Anders Johan Lexell (1740–1784) was the first Finnish mathematician and astronomer of international fame. Lexell was born in Turku and he studied at the Royal Academy of Turku. In 1771 he was appointed Professor of Mathematics at this university. He spent a major part of his scientific life in St. Petersburg, where, from 1768 on, he collaborated with Leonhard Euler at the Academy of Science. After Euler’s death, he became the leader of the Academy. Lexell had lively contacts to many prominent scientists of his time, and he undertook a 17-month trip to the scientific centres of Germany, France and England. He was also a member of the French Academy of Sciences.

Unveiling of the portrait

Some time ago the University of Turku started a venture to prepare a portrait of Lexell. The initiative for this came from Architect Benito Casagrande, and the work was done by the artist Sofia Saari. During Mathdays 2016 the portrait will be unveiled and handed over to the University. There will be a short talk at this ceremony by Prof.Emer. Mauri Valtonen (please see abstract below).

Lexell: one of greatest Finnish scientists

Anders Johann Lexell was the first Finnish mathematician and astronomer of international fame. After an education in Turku, he moved to Sweden and then to the St.Petersburg Academy of sciences. There he worked with Leonhard Euler, among others. The 17-month trip to the scientific centres of Europe lead to his most famous discovery, planet Uranus, the first new planet discovery since Antiquity. He was also the first scientist to recognize the possibilty of chaos in non-linear dynamics, where he was far ahead of his times.