An encyclopedic mind and a prolific writer on many topics, Stevin, known as "the Dutch Archimedes," contributed to many areas of knowledge, particularly arithmetic, algebra, geometry, physics, optics, mechanics, astronomy, hydrostatics, musical theory, and military engineering. A dedicated empiricist, he experimentally refuted, years before Galileo (who received credit), the Aristotelian doctrine that heavy objects fall faster than light-weight objects. He also improved mathematical notation and championed the decimal system, suggesting that decimal mensuration could be used in all spheres of life. In addition, Stevin was an exceptional prose stylist. He pioneered the use of his vernacular, Dutch, at a time when Latin was dominant as the language of science. Stevin significantly enriched the Dutch scientific vocabulary, coining words and phrases which have been become part of the Dutch lexicon.

Born in Bruges (now Belgium), in the southern Netherlands, Stevin was employed by the city administration as a bookkeeper...