John Wallis: Mathematician and Polymath
Early Life and Education:
John Wallis was born on November 23, 1616, in Ashford, Kent, England. Little is known about his early childhood, but he attended Martin Holbeach’s school in Tenterden before entering Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1632. At Cambridge, Wallis displayed exceptional mathematical talent and made significant contributions to the field during his academic journey.
Academic Career and Early Achievements:
Wallis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1637 and a master’s degree in 1640. He was elected as a Fellow of Emmanuel College, and by 1644, he had become a ordained Anglican clergyman. During this period, he engaged in mathematical research, collaborating with other prominent mathematicians of the time.
Cryptanalysis and Codebreaking:
In addition to his mathematical pursuits, Wallis played a crucial role in cryptanalysis during the English Civil War. He deciphered Royalist codes and ciphers for the Parliamentarians, contributing to their military intelligence efforts. Wallis’s skill in codebreaking earned him recognition and respect.
Arithmetica Infinitorum:
Wallis’s major mathematical work, “Arithmetica Infinitorum” (1655), significantly advanced the understanding of mathematical concepts. In this work, he introduced new symbols for mathematical operations, including the infinity symbol (∞). Wallis’s notation and methods were groundbreaking, and he made substantial contributions to the understanding of infinite series.
Continued Contributions to Mathematics:
Throughout his career, Wallis made numerous contributions to various branches of mathematics. He worked on geometry, algebra, and calculus, and his work laid the foundation for later developments in these fields. Wallis also introduced the concept of the “Wallis product,” a formula for calculating π (pi) that became influential in mathematical analysis.
Royal Society and Academic Recognition:
In 1663, Wallis became one of the founding members of the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge. He served as the society’s secretary from 1665 to 1672, contributing to its establishment as a leading institution for scientific research. Wallis was a respected figure in the scientific community and corresponded with mathematicians and scientists across Europe.
Legacy and Later Life:
John Wallis continued to work on mathematics until late in his life. He died on October 28, 1703, in Oxford, England. Wallis’s legacy extends beyond his specific mathematical contributions; he played a pivotal role in the development of mathematical notation, making complex mathematical ideas more accessible.
Wallis’s influence on the mathematical community, his involvement in cryptography, and his contributions to the Royal Society collectively mark him as a prominent figure in the scientific and mathematical advancements of the 17th century. His dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and his multifaceted contributions have left a lasting impact on the field of mathematics.
