Robert Simson

1687 - 1768

Mathematician. Born in West Kilbride (North Ayrshire), Simson was educated at the University of Glasgow. In 1711, he was appointed to the Chair of Mathematics in that same institution and worked in the field of geometry. Simson enjoyed the company of his serious-minded male friends; playing whist on Friday evenings, walking to Anderston every Saturday and hosting dinner parties.

He retired from his chair having held it for fifty years in 1761. He died in Glasgow and left his large collection of books and papers to the University.

His name is remembered in Simson's Line, a mathematical concept encountered by William Wallace (1768 - 1843).

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