John Gray (mathematician) facts for kids
John Gray was a smart British mathematician who lived a long time ago. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very important group for scientists. He passed away on July 17, 1769.
Early Life and Teaching
As a young man, John Gray loved numbers and teaching. He taught mathematics at a place called Marischal College. This college later became part of Aberdeen University in Scotland.
Writing Books
John Gray also wrote books. One of his important books was called "A Treatise on Gunnery". This book was about how cannons and guns work. It was published in London in 1731.
He also worked with other people, like Andrew Reid, to make a shorter version of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. These were important scientific papers from 1720 to 1732. They made it easier for people to read about new scientific discoveries.
A Royal Society Member
In March 1732, John Gray became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This was a big honor! When he applied, they said he worked at the Navy Office. The Navy Office was in charge of building and taking care of ships for the British Royal Navy.
Leading a College
Later in his life, from 1764 until he died, John Gray became the Rector of Marischal College. A Rector is like the head or leader of a college.
Later Years
John Gray died in 1769 at his home in London. He wanted to be buried next to his wife, Elizabeth, in a place called Petersham. He left some land in the West Indies to his nephews. He also gave 1,000 acres of land to Gray's Inn in London, which is a famous place for lawyers.
