John James Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John James Walker
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| Born | 2 October 1825 |
| Died | 15 February 1900 (aged 74) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin (BA, MA) |
| Awards | Fellow of the Royal Society (1883) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Institutions | University College London |
John James Walker (1825–1900) was an English mathematician. He was also the president of the London Mathematical Society from 1888 to 1890. He made important contributions to the study of algebra and quaternions.
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Who Was John James Walker?
John James Walker was a very smart English mathematician. He lived during the 1800s. He was known for his work in advanced mathematics. He even led a big group of mathematicians called the London Mathematical Society.
Early Life and Education
John James Walker was born in Kennington, England. His father was a headmaster, which means he was in charge of schools. John studied at schools where his father worked. These included London High School and Plymouth New Grammar School.
Because his family had Irish roots, he went to Trinity College Dublin. There, he studied mathematics and physics. He earned his first degree in 1846. Later, he completed his master's degree in 1857.
A Career in Mathematics
From 1853 to 1862, John James Walker worked as a private tutor. He taught the children of the wealthy Guinness family. This family is famous for making drinks in Ireland.
In 1865, he moved back to London. He became a professor at University College London. His job was to teach applied mathematics. This is a type of math used to solve real-world problems.
In 1883, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. It means he was recognized as a top expert in his field.
John James Walker retired from teaching in 1888. After retiring, he spent the rest of his life doing his own research. He focused on new ideas in mathematics.
What Did He Study?
John James Walker's main research was in two areas. One was called higher algebra. This involved studying complex equations and shapes, like plane curves.
The other area was quaternions. These are special numbers used in advanced math and physics. He thought quaternions were a very useful tool for solving difficult problems.
