JORDAN, CAMILLE

born Jan. 5, 1838, Lyon, France died Jan. 20, 1922, Milan, Italy in full Marie-ennemond-camille Jordan French mathematician whose work on substitution groups (groups of permutations) and the theory of equations first brought full understanding of the importance of the theories of the eminent mathematician variste Galois, who had died in 1832. Jordan's early research was in geometry. His Trait des substitutions et des quations algebriques (1870; Treatise on Substitutions and Algebraic Equations), which brought him the Poncelet Prize of the Academy of Sciences, gave a comprehensive account of Galois's theory of substitution groups and applied them to algebraic equations. He also solved the problem proposed by Niels Henrik Abel of ascertaining the solvability of any given algebraic equation by radicals. Jordan published his lectures and researches on analysis in Cours d'analyse de l'cole Polytechnique, 3 vol. (1882; A Course of Analysis of the Polytechnic School). In the third edition (190915) of this notable work, which contained a good deal more of Jordan's own work than did the first, he treated the theory of functions from the modern viewpoint, dealing with the function of bounded variation, which he applied to the curve known as Jordan's curve. The Jordan algebras are named in his honour. In topology Jordan proved (1887) that a simple arc does not divide the plane and that a simple closed curve divides the plane into exactly two parts. Although intuitively obvious, these theorems require sophisticated proofs. Jordan was professor of mathematics at the cole Polytechnique, Paris, from 1876 to 1912. He also edited the Journal de mathmatiques pures et appliques (18851922). Cultural life Daily life Jordan is an integral part of the Arab world and thus displays cultural traits common to the region. The family is of central importance to Jordanian life. The rural Bedouin population, though declining in numbers, still follows a more traditional way of life, preserving customs passed down from generations. Village life revolves around the extended family, agriculture, and hospitality; modernity exists only in the form of a motorized vehicle for transportation. However, urban-dwelling Jordanians enjoy such aspects of modern, or popular, culture as theatrical productions, musical concerts, operas, and ballet performances. Most major towns have movie theatres that offer both Arab and foreign films. Younger Jordanians frequent Internet cafs in the capital, where espresso is served at computer terminals. The country's cuisine features dishes using beans, olive oil, yogurt, and garlic. Jordan's two most popular dishes are msakhan, lamb or mutton and rice with a yogurt sauce, and mansaf, chicken cooked with onions, which are both served on holidays and on special family occasions. The most popular team sports in Jordan are football (soccer) and basketball; handball and volleyball are also widely played. In individual sports, boxing, tae kwon do, and swimming are the most widespread. Jordan has fielded teams for the Pan Arab Games, the West Asian Games, the Islamic Games, and the Olympic Games. During his reign, King Hussein recognized the importance of sports in nation building and strengthening bonds between Arab states. The participation of Jordanian athletes in various international competitions, notably those held in the Middle East, has encouraged better relations in the region. Newspapers are mostly privately owned and are extensively regulated. There are several literary magazines as well as scientific and topical periodicals. Radio and television stations, which are government-owned, feature programs from both Arab and mostly Western countries. The arts Both private and governmental efforts have been made to foster the arts through various cultural centres, notably in Amman and Irbid. Modernity has weakened the traditional Islamic injunction against the portrayal of animate objects; thus, in addition to the traditional architecture, decorative design, and various handicrafts, it is possible to find contemporary forms of painting and sculpture. Elaborate calligraphy and geometric designs often enhance manuscripts and mosques. As in the rest of the region, the oral tradition is prominent in artistic expression. Jordan's most famous poet, Mustafa Wahbah at-Tal, ranks among the major Arab poets of the 20th century. After World War II a number of important poets and prose writers emerged, though few have achieved an international reputation. Folk art survives in tapestry work and in the making of leather, pottery, and ceramics, as well as in the manufacture of wool and goat-hair rugs with varicoloured stripes. Popular culture is expressed in songs, ballads, and storytelling. The villagers have special songs for births, circumcisions, weddings, funerals, and harvesting. Several types of debkah (dances characterized by the pounding of feet on the floor to mark the rhythm) are danced on festive occasions, while the sahjeh is a well-known Bedouin dance. The Circassian minority has a sword dance and several other Cossack dances. As part of its effort to preserve folk arts, the government sponsors a national troupe that is regularly featured on state radio and television programs.