The finite-element method, Part I: R. L. Courant [Historical Corner]

This paper focused on finite elements. Also contains a brief biography of Richard L. Courant, the father of finite elements. The finite-element method, in its presently accepted forms, can be credited to no lesser a person than Richard L. Courant. Using piecewise-linear approximants on a set of triangles, which he called "elements," he dashed off a few two-dimensional examples - and the finite-element method was born.