John Napier

1 February 1550 – 4 April 1617

John Napier (1550-1617) was a Scottish landowner, mathematician, and theologian, the 8th Laird of Merchiston, best known as the inventor of logarithms. His 1614 work Mirifici Logarithmorum Canonis Descriptio revolutionized calculation, and he also devised the calculating rods known as Napier's bones and popularized the decimal point.

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Life events

Born at Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
1 February 1550

John Napier was born at Merchiston Tower near Edinburgh, the son of Sir Archibald Napier, 7th Laird of Merchiston.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Matriculated at St Salvator's College, University of St Andrews
1563

Napier entered the University of St Andrews at the age of 13, though he left without taking a degree, likely continuing his studies abroad.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Elizabeth Stirling
1572

Napier married Elizabeth Stirling, daughter of Sir James Stirling of Keir, with whom he had two children before her death around 1579.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Agnes Chisholm as his second wife
c. 1579

After the death of his first wife, Napier married Agnes Chisholm, with whom he had ten children.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published A Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St. John
1593

Napier published his widely read Protestant theological work interpreting the Book of Revelation, which he himself regarded as his most important achievement.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Succeeded as 8th Laird of Merchiston
1608

On the death of his father, Napier inherited the Merchiston estates and moved into Merchiston Castle.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published Mirifici Logarithmorum Canonis Descriptio, introducing logarithms
1614

Napier's Description of the Wonderful Canon of Logarithms presented the first tables of logarithms, dramatically simplifying astronomical and navigational calculation.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published Rabdologiae, describing the calculating rods known as Napier's bones
1617

In Rabdologiae, Napier described several mechanical aids to calculation, including the numbered rods later called Napier's bones.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh
4 April 1617

Napier died at his home at Merchiston, probably of gout, and was buried in the kirk of St Cuthbert in Edinburgh.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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