James Hodgson (mathematician) facts for kids

James Hodgson (1672–1755) was an important English scientist. He was an astronomer, a math teacher, and a writer. He helped teach others about numbers and the stars.

A Life in Science

James Hodgson was born in 1672. He was the nephew of Christopher Wren, a very famous architect. Hodgson worked as an assistant to John Flamsteed. Flamsteed was the first Astronomer Royal. This job meant he was the main astronomer for the King. Hodgson worked at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich from 1695 to 1702. This is where astronomers study the stars.

James Hodgson, drawn by George White

In 1703, Hodgson joined the Royal Society. This is a famous group of scientists. He became a council member in 1733. From 1709 until his death, he taught math. He was the master of mathematics at the Royal School of Mathematics at Christ's Hospital.

Hodgson married Flamsteed's niece in 1702. He helped publish Flamsteed's important works after he passed away. Hodgson also wrote a textbook called A System of the Mathematics in 1723. This book helped share Flamsteed's ideas. People say Hodgson made the math school much better. He helped students do well in their exams.

James Hodgson passed away on June 25, 1755. He left behind his wife and several children.

His Published Works

When John Flamsteed died, Hodgson helped his wife. They worked together to publish Flamsteed's books. Hodgson is listed as a co-editor for the Atlas Cœlestis. This important star map was published in 1729.

Hodgson also wrote many articles for the Philosophical Transactions. This was a science magazine. He also wrote several of his own books. Here are some of his most important works:

• The Theory of Navigation, published in 1706. This book was about how to steer ships.
• The Laws of Stereographick Projection, published in 1708. This was about drawing maps.
• A System of the Mathematics, published in 1723. This was his famous math textbook.
• The Doctrine of Fluxions founded on Sir Isaac Newton's Method, published in 1736. This book explained Isaac Newton's ideas about calculus.
• An Introduction to Chronology, published in 1747. This book was about how to measure time.
• A Treatise on Annuities, published in 1747. This book was about money paid out over time.
• The Theory of Jupiter's Satellites, published in 1750. This book was about Jupiter's moons.

The valuation of annuities upon lives, 1724.

He also wrote a short book called The Theory of Perspective. This was added to an English translation of a French book. It was about how to draw things to look like they have depth.