John Wallis: Mathematician, Cryptographer, and Polymath
Early Life and Education:
John Wallis was born on November 23, 1616, in Ashford, Kent, England, into a staunchly Protestant family. His father, Reverend John Wallis, served as a rector, and young John demonstrated his exceptional intellectual abilities from an early age despite being born with a deformed hand and no fingers.
Despite his physical challenges, Wallis excelled academically. He attended James Movat’s school in Tenterden, where he developed a keen interest in mathematics. Recognizing his prodigious talent, Wallis’s family supported his education, and he entered Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1632 at the age of 16.
Academic Career and Contributions:
Wallis’s time at Cambridge was marked by his intense focus on mathematics. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1637 and was elected a fellow of Emmanuel College. In 1640, he received his Master’s degree and began his long association with the university.
His work during this period included contributions to infinitesimal calculus, algebra, and geometry. He is particularly known for introducing the symbol for infinity (∞) and making significant advancements in the understanding of the properties of conic sections.
Cryptanalysis and Public Service:
During the English Civil War (1642-1651), Wallis was a supporter of the Parliamentarians. He used his mathematical skills in service to the government, particularly in the field of cryptography. Wallis became adept at deciphering Royalist codes and ciphers, contributing to the Parliamentarian intelligence efforts.
After the war, Wallis continued his academic pursuits and expanded his interests to a wide range of subjects, including physics, linguistics, and theology. His work “Arithmetica Infinitorum” (1656) made significant contributions to the understanding of mathematical concepts, laying the groundwork for future developments in calculus.
Royal Society and Mathematical Achievements:
John Wallis played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Royal Society in 1660, becoming one of its founding members. He served as the Society’s secretary for many years, contributing to its scientific endeavors.
Wallis made important contributions to the understanding of the properties of curves and algebraic equations. His work on conic sections and the development of a method for determining the areas enclosed by curves were influential.
Later Years and Legacy:
In his later years, Wallis continued to be active in academia and public service. He wrote extensively on various subjects, including grammar, theology, and logic. His linguistic work includes an early attempt to develop a universal language.
John Wallis passed away on October 28, 1703, in Oxford, leaving behind a legacy of profound contributions to mathematics, cryptography, and the advancement of scientific knowledge. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring generations of mathematicians and scholars. Wallis’s dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and his wide-ranging intellectual achievements solidify his place as a prominent figure in the history of mathematics and the scientific revolution.
