1685-1731

English Mathematician

Two works published by Brook Taylor in 1715 indicate the scope of his interests and accomplishments. The first was Methodus incrementorum directa et inversa, in which he became the first mathematician to discuss the calculus of finite differences. The book also introduced the "Taylor series," concerning the expansion of functions of a single variable in a finite series, for which Taylor became famous. Also in 1715, Taylor published Linear Perspective, which contained the first general treatment of the principle of vanishing points.

Brook Taylor. (Archive Photos. Reproduced with permission.)

Born in Edmonton, Middlesex, England, on August 18, 1685, Taylor was the oldest child of John and Olivia Tempest Taylor. The family were members of the minor nobility, and John encouraged his son to take an interest in music and the visual arts. Taylor entered St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1709, and later earned his bachelor of laws degree...