Nicolas Vilant facts for kids

Front page of Elements (1798 edition)

Nicolas Vilant (1737-1807) was a Scottish mathematician who lived in the 18th century. He was famous for writing math textbooks. He also helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783. This was a very important group for scientists in Scotland.

Life of Nicolas Vilant

Nicolas Vilant was born in a place called Ferryport-on-Tay. This town is now known as Tayport in Scotland. He was born on June 12, 1737. His father, William Vilant, was a local minister.

Education and Teaching Career

Nicolas started studying Mathematics at St Andrews University in 1752. He learned from a professor named David Gregory.

Later, in 1765, Nicolas Vilant became a professor himself. He was the Regius Professor of Mathematics at the University of Saint Andrews. He held this important job until he passed away in 1807.

During his time as a professor, Nicolas was often unwell. Because of this, other teachers, like John West, sometimes gave his lectures. Nicolas Vilant died in St Andrews on May 25, 1807.

Vilant's Family Life

Nicolas Vilant married Elizabeth Brand around the year 1770. They had sons together. Two of their sons also went to St Andrews University, just like their father.