Charles Hermite was a noted 19th century French mathematician known for his work on number theory, quadratic forms, invariant theory, orthogonal polynomials, elliptic functions, and algebra. From the very beginning, he was more interested in advanced studies than in his curriculum, publishing two important papers while he was still in his secondary school. Later, he entered École Polytechnique to study mathematics but because of a deformity in his right feet, which required him to use a cane, he had to leave the academy the following year. He studied privately for five years and earned his baccalauréat and licence at the age of twenty-four. Meanwhile he started corresponding with eminent mathematicians, writing down his discoveries in the letters. Indeed, in spite of his phenomenal researches, he had few publications to his credit; circulating most his discoveries through letters, short notes and course lectures, which formed the basis of further research by other mathematicians. He was also a grand teacher, being appointed professor of analysis both in École Polytechnique and Sorbonne. In spite of his deformity, he was always in a happy mood, dividing his time between his family, teaching and research.