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This is the first volume of a six volume compendium on the correspondences of John Wallis (1616-1703). Wallis was savilian Professor of Geometry at Oxford from 1649 until his death, and was a founding member of the Royal Society and a central figure in the scientific and intellectual history of England. Along with his role as decipher on the Parliamentary side during the Civil War, he prepared the ground for the discovery of infinitesimal calculus by Newton and Leibniz and played a decisive role in modernization of English mathematics. This volume provides fascinating insight into the life of Wallis through his correspondences with intellectual and political figures of the latter part of the 17th century.
Summary
This is the first of a six volume edition of the correspondence of John Wallis, who was a central figure in the scientific revolution in 17th century England. The letters contained in this volume, which covers the mid-century, give unique insight into the scientific, cultural, and political developments of the time, against the background of the Civil Wars and the Commonwealth.
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Review from following volumes Reading these letters enriches our understanding of the intellectual and academic community of the day. One can only welcome a publication that makes primary sources readily available to scholars and students alike. The meticulous care with which these volumes have been produced deserves considerable praise.
