Thomas Harriot: English Mathematician, Astronomer, and Ethnographer
Early Life and Education:
Thomas Harriot was born in 1560 in Oxford, England. Little is known about his early life and family, but he likely received a good education. He attended Oxford University, matriculating at St Mary Hall in 1577.
Mathematical and Scientific Achievements:
- Mathematical Works: Harriot developed a keen interest in mathematics and worked extensively on algebra and geometry. His work on equations and methods for solving them laid the groundwork for later mathematicians.
- Trigonometry: Harriot made significant contributions to trigonometry. He introduced the modern notation for trigonometric functions, using the abbreviations we still use today (sin, cos, tan).
- Telescope Use: Harriot is credited with being the first person to use a telescope for astronomical observations. In 1609, he made observations of the Moon, making detailed sketches and recording his findings.
- Sunspots: Harriot was also one of the first to observe and sketch sunspots. His observations predated those of Galileo, but Harriot did not publish his work, and Galileo is more commonly associated with the discovery.
Employment and Professional Life:
- Employed by Sir Walter Raleigh: Harriot became employed by Sir Walter Raleigh around 1583. Raleigh, a prominent explorer and courtier, tasked Harriot with a variety of responsibilities, including mathematical and navigational calculations.
- Colonial Ventures: Harriot accompanied Raleigh’s expeditions to the New World, particularly to Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina. During these expeditions, he conducted ethnographic studies of the Native American populations and produced maps.
- Cartography: Harriot was skilled in cartography and produced maps of the coastlines explored by Raleigh’s expeditions. His maps and observations provided valuable information for future explorations.
- Tutor to Henry Percy: Harriot served as a tutor to Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, from 1603 to 1608. During this period, he had the opportunity to focus on his scientific pursuits.
Literary Works:
- “Artis Analyticae Praxis” (1590): Harriot wrote a comprehensive work on algebra and geometry, titled “Artis Analyticae Praxis,” which was not published during his lifetime.
- “A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia” (1588): Harriot’s account of the New World, written during his explorations, provided insights into the Native American cultures, flora, and fauna.
Later Years and Legacy:
Thomas Harriot spent his later years in London, continuing his scientific work and engaging with a circle of scholars. Unfortunately, he faced financial difficulties.
Thomas Harriot died on July 2, 1621. While his contributions to science were substantial, he did not receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime. Nevertheless, his works laid the foundation for future developments in mathematics, astronomy, and ethnography. Today, he is remembered as a pioneering mathematician and scientist of the Elizabethan era.
