He achieved a remarkable level of mathematics considering that he had never been formally taught, and when he was 36 years old he submitted a thesis De calculi variabilium in geometria et arte mechanica usu to the University of Heidelberg and was duly awarded a doctorate.
Siya makakamtan ng isang karaniwan na antas ng matematika isasaalang-alang na siya ay hindi pa pormal na nagtuturo, at kapag siya ay 36 years old siya na isinumite ng isang sanaysay Mula calculi variabilium sa geometria et Arte mechanica usu sa University of Heidelberg at noon ay gaya ng nararapat na iginawad ng isang titulo ng doktor.