Nicholas Saunderson, English Mathematician

Nicholas Saunderson (1682 - April 19, 1739) was an English mathematician. At the age of one he lost his sight through smallpox, but this did not prevent him from learning Latin and Greek, and studying mathematics. He was the friend of many of the eminent mathematicians of the time, such as Isaac Newton, Edmund Halley, Abraham De Moivre and Roger Cotes. He devised a calculating machine or abacus, by which he could perform arithmetical and algebraic operations by the sense of touch. This method is sometimes termed his palpable arithmetic, an account of which is given in his elaborate Elements of Algebra. Queen Anne awarded him a Master of Arts degree in 1711 so that he would be eligible to become Lucasian professor at the University of Cambridge. In 1718 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society. He died of scurvy in 1739 at the age of 57

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