The Math Genius
Niels Henrik Abel
Unique to Froland's works is the story of Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829), a world-renowned mathematician. He was declared a mathematical genius as a teenager. He quickly began his studies, including in Copenhagen where in 1823 he met Christine Kemp, to whom he became engaged. In the following years he established himself as a strong professional in the leading mathematical circles in Europe.
In 1827, Abel had experienced a period of hardship. Through family and acquaintances, he secured a position for his fiancée as a governess for the Smith family at Frolands Verk. After this, Abel came to the works several times, including at Christmas 1828. Now he became seriously ill, and gradually got worse throughout the Christmas holidays.
On January 6, Niels Henrik Abel wrote his last mathematical work, from the "Bukkerommet" on the third floor of Frolands Verk's main building. After 12 weeks of illness, he died in this room, on April 6, 1829. On April 28, he was buried at Froland Church.
Many people want a piece of Niels Henrik Abel. Gjerstad municipality has the Abel Center at Brokelandsheia, with a lecture hall and a permanent exhibition about the mathematician. The annual Abel Competition was established in Froland, but is now run by NTNU in Trondheim. The Abel Prize is awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters in Oslo. There are Abel sculptures in a number of places in Norway, and you can walk through Rue Abel in Paris. His name and his theories live on in scientific circles all over the world.
Niels Henrik Abel's childhood home at the rectory in Gjerstad no longer exists. Of the existing cultural environments, Froland's Verk is the one Abel was most closely associated with. The sculpture in the garden marks the strong connection, and the authentic Bukkerommet is a condensed highlight – almost like a shrine to be considered for the many who admire and are inspired by the mathematician.
