Scot+John+Napier

John Napier (1550-1617) made significant advances in the realm of mathematics. Some of his most significant contributions involve the creation of logarithms and the representation of complex fractions with decimal notation. However, it is important to note that Napier only studied mathematics as a hobby. In fact, Napier was the owner of a large estate with a castle and many agricultural fields. On his large estate, he contributed to significant advances in the agricultural industry in Scotland. Previously, the Scots used purely manure to fertilize crops, but Napier discovered that by adding salts to the manure, crop growth could be further enhanced.

Napier, however, was even more dedicated to his Protestant beliefs. At the time, Scotland was structurally Catholic after the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, which ended in 1551. However, many of the people in Scotland were Protestant. There was a slight fear that Philip II of Spain, who married Mary for political reasons, would invade Scotland, which was quite reasonable. First of all, after Queen Elizabeth ordered for the arrest of Mary, England was no longer a Catholic nation, but was instead ruled by the Church of England. Philip II married Mary because she was Catholic and he wanted to unite England and Spain as Catholic nations. In fact, Philip II ultimately ordered the invasion of England by means of the Spanish Armada.

Napier, as a result, wanted to end Catholicism in Scotland, because he thought that Catholicism posed a threat to Scotland. He expressed this concern in his famous work, the //Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St. John//. Napier's work was eventually translated, and his work produced a positive response in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and his own country, Scotland.

Napier is also known for his mathematical contributions. As previously mentioned, he invented logarithmic and decimal notation, but he also invented what he called a "numbering rod" as a means to teach children basic multiplication. This invention later became known as "Napier's bones," which became heavily used in Scotland.

Impact:

The invention of logarithms and decimal notation immediately became heavily used in astronomy. Kepler relied heavily upon logarithms to express his discoveries in the realm of astronomy. Astronomer Pierre-Simon Laplace in his work //In Mathematical Circles// said "[logarithms] by shorting the labours, doubled the life of the astronomer."

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