The Historical Development of the Law of Quadratic Reciprocity

Modern mathematics has developed in such a way that it encompasses a vast array of what are now considered to be different branches of mathematics. Com-binatorics, complex analysis, harmonic analysis, number theory, abstract algebra, and numerous other fields each form a small part of the larger mosaic that is math-ematics. In the modern age it has become commonplace for specialization in just a few of these fields to occupy a professional mathematician throughout his ca-reer; fortunately, this has not always been the case. During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries mathematics enjoyed a vigorous renewal following the Dark Ages. Spearheaded by some of the most famous mathematicians who have ever lived, and unencumbered by the modern notion of specialization, this revival was com-plete, overwhelming, and established a firm foundation of knowledge upon which the firmament of mathematics will rest henceforth. Among the fields whose modern form was fathered during this time period, number theory’s rebirth is particularly striking. Many mathematicians played in-tegral roles in its development, but what is unusual is that Carl Friedrich Gaus