Two generations of distinguished Swiss mathematicians.
Jakob (16551705) and Johann (16671748) were the sons of a pharmacist who wanted one boy to study theology and the other medicine. Over his objections, both pursued careers in mathematics, making important discoveries in calculus , the calculus of variations, and differential equations . They sometimes worked together, but not without friction. Johann's son Daniel (170082) made important contributions to fluid dynamics (see Bernoulli's principle ) and probability theory . Widely admired throughout Europe, he also studied and lectured on medicine, physics, astronomy, and botany.