John Baines (mathematician) facts for kids
John Baines (1787–1838) was an English mathematician. He was born in Horbury, Yorkshire, in 1787. John Baines loved mathematics from a young age. He became a well-known writer for different math magazines.
Early Life and Love for Math
John Baines was born in the town of Horbury, Yorkshire, in 1787. He showed a strong interest in mathematics when he was young. From about 1810, he started sending his math problems and solutions to popular magazines.
These magazines included Ladies' Diary and the Gentleman's Diary. They were famous for their tricky geometry and algebra puzzles. John Baines also wrote to another newspaper called the Northern Star from Nottingham.
In 1833, the Ladies' Diary even published a longer article by him. This article discussed a theory about Earth's history.
A Career in Teaching
John Baines spent many years as a mathematics teacher. He taught in several different towns. Around 1810 to 1813, he taught at Horbury Bridge. Later, around 1816, he moved to Reading to teach math.
He then taught in Nottingham around 1818, and Dewsbury around 1819. Finally, around 1829, he settled in Thornhill, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. He became the master, or head teacher, of Thornhill Grammar School. He worked there for nine years.
Other Talents
John Baines was not only good at math. An old message on his tombstone in Horbury churchyard tells us more about him. It shows that he was also skilled in other subjects.
He knew Latin and Greek. He was also very good at natural science, especially botany. Botany is the study of plants. The message says he was "skilled in telling plants apart."
Works
- Baines' contribution to "The Enigmatical entertainer and mathematical associate ..., Issue 1"
