Person Raphson; Joseph (? 1648 - ? 1716); mathematician and writer Raphson Joseph mathematician and writer ? 1648 - ? 1716 British Male Middlesex, England, Europe ? 1648 ? 1716

Author Education: Jesus College, Cambridge (MA Lit Reg 1692) Career: Abridged Ozanam's Dictionary of mathematics (1702); translated some of Isaac Newton's (FRS 1672) works into English Unfortunately, very little is known about Raphson's early life and family. His main work is considered to be his 'Analysis aequationum universalis' (1690) and it was reportedly due to this that he was elected into the Society. In this work, Raphson described the Newton (or Newton-Raphson) method for approximating the roots of an equation. Raphson remained involved in Newton's (FRS 1672) mathematical work and translated his 'Arithmetica universalis' from Latin to English. His work 'Demonstratio de deo' shows an interest in cosmology and natural philosophy which is based on Cabalist beliefs. Fellow 30/11/1689 Edmond Halley Sources: Bulloch's Roll; Hunter; Taylor; DNB; ODNB References: Thomas, D J. 1990. 'Joseph Raphson, FRS', in Notes and Records, vol. 44, pp. 151-167 Notes: Last in 1712 list according to Hunter. Possible death date of 1715. Venn has an approximate lifespan 1674-1772. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive has 1668-1712 as a lifespan and a place of birth as Pinner, Middlesex. International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa 1996 ISBN 0-9696035-3-3 National Council on Archives, Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997 RCN: 49226 RCN: 49227 RCN: 49228 RCN: 49225 RCN: R69339 - 1715 or 1716 The past Fellows entries are under continuous revision. If you have queries or additional information to contribute, please contact Library@royalsociety.org. Content in external sources is not controlled by the Royal Society and historical sources may include content that is now unacceptable. Reviewed on 22/11/2022 as part of the Name Authority Project update. NA6750 21/11/2001 Andyg Pmab 28/03/2023 RS_NET\JonathanB Yes http://viaf.org/viaf/76326037 9762923b-e46f-4820-abf5-9febf87f284e