Origins & Early Life

John Wallis (; Latin: Wallisius; 3 December [O.S. 23 November] 1616 – 8 November [O.S. 28 October] 1703) was an English clergyman and mathematician, who is given partial credit for the development of infinitesimal calculus. Between 1643 and 1689 Wallis served as chief cryptographer for Parliament and, later, the royal court.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He extended Cavalieri's method of indivisibles through the use of interpolation. Applying Kepler's principle of continuity, he developed techniques for the evaluation of integrals. He is credited with introducing the symbol ∞ to represent the concept of infinity. He similarly used 1/∞ for an infinitesimal. He was a contemporary of Isaac Newton and one of the greatest intellectuals of the early modern mathematics.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Cambridge, M.A., Oxford, D.D. Grammar School at Tenterden, Kent, 1625–31. School of Martin Holbeach at Felsted, Essex, 1631–2. Cambridge University, Emmanuel College, 1632–40; B.A., 1637; M.A., 1640. D.D. at Oxford in 1654.

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