1510-1558

Welsh-English Mathematician

Robert Recorde introduced the "equals" symbol (=) to mathematical notation, and greatly advanced mathematical education in the British Isles. Not only was he the first to write on arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy in English rather than Latin, he introduced the study of algebra to England. Unfortunately, political intrigue cut short his career.

Born in 1510 in Tenby, Wales, Recorde was the son of Thomas and Rose Johns Recorde. His paternal great-grandparents had been English, and he spent his career in England, beginning with his studies at Oxford. He earned his B.A. from the latter in 1531, and after a stint at All Soul's College, moved to Cambridge, where he received his M.D. degree in 1545. Soon afterward, he gained a prestigious appointment at the court of King Edward VI. Recorde later married, fathering nine children.

Undoubtedly, Recorde's position at court, though it would eventually pose...