German mathematical genius Carl Friedrich Gauss, whose works on pure mathematics were of an overwhelming importance for modern physical theories. The son of a day laborer and small contractor was born in Brunswick in 1777. He died in February, 1855. At Goettingen University, where Gauss was head Astronomer and Professor of mathematics, special services observing the 100th anniversary of his death will be held later hits month. This picture of gauss is a reproduction of an oil painting of the great mathematician by Jensen. It is in the gauss museum in Goettingen. (AP Photo/FRA)