Lambert Adolphe Quetelet was born in 1796 in Ghent, Belgium. He was the son of a municipal officer who had once left Ghent to become a secretary to a Scottish nobleman. At an early age Quetelet showed a great talent for mathematics. By the age of nineteen Quetelet taught mathematics at the university level and spent his free time writing poetry. Quetelet continued his education at the newly formed University of Ghent where he became the first student at the school to receive a doctor of science degree.

In 1820, as recognition for his academic excellence, Quetelet was elected to membership in the Academie Royale desScience et belles lettres de Bruxelles. Due in part tolack of interest this Belgian Academy had fallen on hard times. Quetelet is credited with revitatizing the Academy through his eager involvement. For a short period he served as director and later secretary of the Academy...