The artistic, algebraic, and severe ``Russian'' genius Arthur Cayley (Q6114806)

This article discusses the challenge of classifying Arthur Cayley (1821--1895), whose diverse contributions led to differing opinions among scholars. Debates centered on his expertise in algebra, geometry, and formalism, as well as his writing style, which was praised for clarity but criticized for its synthetic approach. The obituaries also speculated about his supposed Russian heritage and its influence on his genius. Despite these debates, Cayley's legacy remains a testament to his multifaceted contributions to mathematics.