1548-1620

Flemish Mathematician and Engineer

Simon Stevin was the first to systematically develop the ideas of Archimedes on the equilibrium of solid bodies and liquids. He established the law of equilibrium for bodies on an inclined plane, explained Archimedes' law for submerged bodies, and propounded the hydrostatic paradox. He also greatly influenced the use of decimal fractions.

Stevin, known also as Stevinus, was born in 1548 at Bruges in present-day Belgium. He earned his living as a bookkeeper before leaving the southern Netherlands in 1581 for Holland. Settling in Leiden, he established himself as an engineer. As an advisor for the construction of mills, locks, and harbors he received several patents and attracted the attention of Maurice of Nassau, stadholder of Holland and commanderin-chief of the States Army. Maurice held him in high regard and regularly sought out his advice in matters of defense and navigation. Stevin was...