Robert Harley (mathematician) facts for kids

Robert Harley (born January 23, 1828 – died July 26, 1910) was an important English minister and a brilliant mathematician. He was known for his work in both religion and complex math problems.

Robert Harley's Early Life and Education

Robert Harley was born in Liverpool on January 23, 1828. He was the third son of Robert Harley and Mary Stevenson. His father, after working as a merchant, became a minister in the Wesleyan Methodist Association.

Robert showed a great talent for mathematics from a young age. He studied at a school in Blackburn under a teacher named William Hoole. When he was just 16, he became a math teacher himself at Seacombe, near Liverpool. Later, he returned to teach in Blackburn.

Becoming a Minister and Mathematician

In 1854, Robert Harley became a minister in the Congregational church. He worked in Brighouse, Yorkshire, until 1868. During this time, from 1864 to 1868, he also taught mathematics and logic at Airedale College.

In 1863, he received a very special honor: he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a big award for top scientists and mathematicians in the United Kingdom. He also helped with the British Association meetings, which are gatherings for scientists.

Work in Schools and Churches

From 1868 to 1872, Robert Harley was the pastor of the oldest Congregational church in Leicester. After that, from 1872 to 1881, he became the vice-principal of Mill Hill School. He also led services in the school's chapel. At Mill Hill, he helped build a public hall where people could give talks on important topics and provide entertainment and education.

Later, from 1882 to 1885, he was the principal of Huddersfield College. Then, from 1886 to 1890, he served as a minister at the Congregational church in Oxford. While in Oxford, he was given an honorary Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1886.

Later Years and Retirement

After working in Australia for a short time, Robert Harley returned to England. He was the pastor of Heath Church in Halifax from 1892 until 1895. He then retired and settled in Forest Hill, near London. Even in retirement, he continued to preach in London and other areas. He also spoke out in favor of healthy living.

Robert Harley passed away at his home in Forest Hill on July 26, 1910. He was buried in Ladywell cemetery.

Robert Harley's Mathematical Discoveries

Mathematics was always a big part of Robert Harley's life. He spent a lot of time studying the theory of equations, especially very complex ones known as the "general equation of the fifth degree." His findings were published in a scientific journal in 1860. Interestingly, another mathematician, Sir James Cockle, reached similar conclusions around the same time.

Harley wrote two more papers on the "Theory of Quintics" (equations of the fifth degree) and explained Cockle's methods. His work caught the attention of Arthur Cayley, another famous mathematician, who continued the research.

Although Harley started writing a full book on quintics, he didn't finish it. However, he kept publishing other works. He wrote about the life and work of George Boole, a well-known mathematician, in a review in 1866. He also wrote a special article about his friend, Sir James Cockle, for the Royal Society.

Robert Harley's Family Life

In 1854, Robert Harley married Sara Stroyan. She passed away in 1905. Robert Harley was survived by his two sons and one daughter when he died.

One of his sons, Harold Harley (1860–1937), became a writer. He used the pen name Mark Ambient and wrote plays and songs for musical comedies.