There Champollion was introduced to the famous mathematician Jean-Baptiste Fourier. Fourier had accompanied Napoleon to Egypt, and he showed Champollion his collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a copy of the Rosetta Stone.

Question

The ancient hieroglyphs fascinated the boy. He asked Fourier, “Can anyone read them?” The mathematician shook his head, and Champol­lion said, “I am going to do it. In a few years – when I am big.”

—The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone,
James Cross Giblin

Which statement best describes Fourier’s influence on deciphering the Rosetta Stone?

Fourier played a role in deciphering the Rosetta Stone by going to Egypt with Napoleon.
Fourier used mathematics as a tool for deciphering the Rosetta Stone.
Fourier showed Champollion how to read hieroglyphs.
Fourier helped inspire Champollion to work on the Stone’s inscriptions.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes Fourier’s influence on deciphering the Rosetta Stone is:

Fourier helped inspire Champollion to work on the Stone’s inscriptions.

This is indicated by Champollion's fascination with the hieroglyphs and his declaration that he would decipher them in the future after his encounter with Fourier.