Thomas Simpson

Thomas Simpson (August 20, 1710 - May 14, 1761), British mathematician, inventor and eponym of Simpson's rule to approximate definite integrals. However, this rule was also found 200 years earlier from Johannes Kepler, in the so-called Keplersche Fassregel.

Related Topics:
August 20 - 1710 - May 14 - 1761 - British - Mathematician - Inventor - Eponym - Simpson's rule - Johannes Kepler - Keplersche Fassregel

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Simpson was born in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. He taught himself mathematics, then turned to astrology. After an unfortunate "devil-raising", he and his wife had to flee to Derby http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Biographies/MainBiographies/S/SimpsonT/1.html. They later moved to London.

Related Topics:
Market Bosworth - Leicestershire - Astrology - Derby - London

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From 1743, he taught mathematics at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich.

Related Topics:
Royal Military Academy - Woolwich

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Apparently, the method that became known as Simpson's rule was well known and used earlier (published by James Gregory), and was only attributed to Simpson.

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