Brachistochrone Problem/Historical Note

Historical Note on Brachistochrone Problem
The Brachistochrone Problem was raised by to the readers of  in June $1696$.

interpreted the problem as a direct challenge to his abilities, and (despite being out of practice) solved the problem in the evening before going to bed.

He published it anonymously, but could tell whose solution it was, and commented:
 * I recognise the lion by his print.

published the solution in the in May $1697$, along with solutions by  and.


 * With justice we admire because he first discovered that a heavy particle slides down to the bottom of a cycloid in the same time, no matter where it starts. But you will be petrified with astonishment when I say that this very same cycloid, the tautochrone of, is also the brachistochrone we are seeking.

Also see

 * Tautochrone Problem/Historical Note