William Jones (mathematician)

Lore & Background

William Jones was born in the parish of Llanfihangel Tre'r Beirdd on the Isle of Anglesey, the son of Siôn Siôr and Elizabeth Rowland. He attended a charity school at Llanfechell, where his mathematical talents were noticed by Lord Bulkeley, who arranged for him to work in a merchant's counting-house in London. His main patrons were the Bulkeley family and later the Earl of Macclesfield. After his voyages, he became a mathematics teacher in London, both in coffee houses and as a private tutor to George Parker, son of the future Earl of Macclesfield. Jones became the editor and publisher of many of Newton's manuscripts and built an extraordinary library of science and mathematics books. His Last Will and Testament left his library and gold watch to the Earl of Macclesfield.

Reader's Guide

William Jones's significance lies primarily in his adoption of the symbol π to represent the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, a notation that became universal in mathematics. His close associations with Newton and Halley, his role as editor of Newton's manuscripts, and his vast personal library underscore his influence in the scientific community of his time. His legacy also extends through his son, the philologist William Jones, who established links between Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit, leading to the concept of the Indo-European language group.

Did You Know?

• His son, also named William Jones, was a renowned philologist who helped establish the concept of the Indo-European language group.