Grandi, Guido (1671-1742)

Italian mathematician who worked on the definition of curves. He devised the curves now known as the 'versiera', the 'rose', and the 'cliela', and his theory of curves also comprehended the means of finding the equations of curves of known form. He was mainly responsible, in addition, for introducing calculus into Italy 1703. Grandi was born in Cremona. He became professor of philosophy at Pisa in 1700 and of mathematics 1714. In his fascination with the study of curves, Grandi was influenced first by English scientist Isaac Newton. In 1728 he published his complete theory in Fleores geometrica, an attempt (among other things) to define geometrically the curves that have the shapes of flowers, particularly multipetalled roses. Grandi also did some work in practical mechanics and his observations regarding hydraulics were utilized by the Italian government in such public works as the drainage of the Chiana valley and the Pontine Marshes in central Italy.