John Wallis
modernEarly Modern Philosophy, Reformed Scholasticism1616 – 1703
John Wallis (1616–1703) was an English mathematician, logician, and theologian whose work bridged early modern mathematics and philosophical theology. He made foundational contributions to infinitesimal calculus and symbolic algebra, and engaged with debates in modal and temporal logic as part of his broader theological interests. As a ordained minister and Savilian Professor of Geometry at Oxford, he occupied an unusual position at the intersection of mathematical rigor and scholastic metaphysics.
Notable Achievements
1
Introduced the lemniscate symbol ∞ for infinity in Arithmetica Infinitorum (1656)
2
Developed methods of indivisibles that directly influenced Newton's calculus
3
Co-founder of the Royal Society (1660)
4
Contributed to the analysis of temporal and modal propositions in the context of future contingents
5
Served as chief cryptographer for the Parliamentarian cause during the English Civil War