much of it, as well as some more recent works on analytic geometry and the differential calculus. At this period he encountered what he believed to be a logical error in Laplace. It led to an introduction to John Brinkley, then Royal Astronomer of Ireland. Hamilton showed him some work on differential geometry of curves. Student years In mid-1822 Hamilton began a systematic study of Laplace's Mécanique Céleste. In November and December 1822 he completed his first three original mathematical papers. On his first visit to Dunsink Observatory, he showed two of them to Brinkley, who asked for a more developed form. Hamilton complied, and early in 1823 Brinkley approved the amended version. In July 1823, he gained a place at Trinity College Dublin by examination, aged 18. His tutor there was Charles Boyton, a family friend. Boyton brought to his attention contemporary mathematics published by the group at the École Polytechnique in Paris. John Brinkley remarked of the 18-year-old Hamilton, "This young man, I do not say will be, but is, the first mathematician of his age." The college awarded Hamilton two optimes, or off-the-chart grades, in Greek and in physics. He was in fact first in every subject and at every examination. He was expected to win further student honours, but his undergraduate career was curtailed. He did take degrees in both classics and mathematics (BA in 1827, MA in 1837). Hamilton was aiming to win a Trinity College fellowship by competitive examination. But that ambition was overtaken by events, after Brinkley in 1826 was made Bishop of Cloyne. Hamilton was still an undergraduate, when he was appointed in 1827 to the vacant posts left by Brinkley's departure, Andrews Professor of Astronomy and Royal Astronomer of Ireland. Personal life and poetry In 1824, Hamilton was introduced at Edgeworthstown to the novelist Maria Edgeworth, by the Rev. Richard Butler, the vicar of Trim, County Meath to whom his uncle James Hamilton was curate. During the same period, his uncle introduced him to the Disney family at Summerhill, County Meath. The Disney sons attended Trinity College, and Hamilton had friends among them. At Summerhill, he met Catherine Disney, their sister. Hamilton was attracted to Catherine Disney, but her family did not approve and Catherine was required to marry the Rev. William Barlow, a brother of her elder sister's husband. The wedding took place in 1825. Hamilton wrote in 1826 about