1652 master. 1660 was promoted to professor, 1662 was concurrently a professor of geometry at London university, 1664 was the first Lucas professor at Cambridge university. Barrow's most important scientific works are Lectures on Optics (1669) and Geometry (1670). The latter includes his outstanding contribution to infinitesimal analysis, especially the method of calculating tangent, which is very close to the process of finding derivative today. He had noticed the reciprocal relationship between tangent problem and quadrature problem, but his obsession with geometric thinking prevented him from approaching the basic theorem of calculus, and the final formulation of calculus was later completed by his student isaac newton. Barrow first discovered Newton's genius and resigned as Professor Lucas on 1669, recommending Newton to succeed him.
Barrow has made great achievements in mathematics, physics, astronomy and theology. The important contributions in mathematics are: giving the method of finding the tangent, making the tangent of a series of important curves such as Descartes' leaf line, and introducing the concept of "differential triangle", which is equivalent to the right triangle with the side length considered by modern times, but the name "differential triangle" was not used at that time. From Barrow's works, we can see that he has actually obtained the product sum quotient and differential theorem of two functions, the differential, the length of curve, the substitution of variables in definite integral, and even the differential theorem of implicit function. However, in Barrow's works, it is mainly a simple geometric expression, which has not yet reflected the unified idea of calculus. In his lecture notes on geometry, the relationship between tangent and area is clearly stated and proved in geometric form. But it seems that he didn't realize its importance himself, so that he didn't have a general discussion. In addition, he is also very good at conic curves. Barro's main works are: lectures on mathematics (1683), optics (1669) and geometry (1670). He is proficient in Greek and * * * and is considered as one of the most authoritative Greek experts of that era. He compiled The Complete Works of Archimedes, apollonius Curve (Volume 10), Euclid's Elements of Geometry, etc. Among them, Geometry Elements has been used as a British standard geometry textbook for half a century. Barrow was an eloquent and energetic missionary. In his later years, he turned his main energy to theology. His reputation as a theologian is based on the Pope's * * *, which was published three years after his death.
Barrow is proficient in Greek and * * *, and has compiled the works of Greek mathematicians such as Euclid, Archimedes and Apollonius, among which Euclid's Elements of Geometry has been the standard geometry textbook in Britain for half a century.
anecdote
He was also a famous priest and wrote a lot of famous sermons. He is modest and kind. However, he had an indissoluble bond with charles ii's favorite at that time, the famous prodigal genius Earl Rochester II. As soon as we meet, a war of words is inevitable. Rochester is said to have ridiculed Reverend Barrow as "a musty seminary".
One day, Barrow prayed for the king and met Rochester.
Rochester bowed deeply to Barrow and said sarcastically, "Doctor, please help me tie my shoelaces."
Barrow replied, "I ask you to lie on the ground, sir."
"Doctor, I invite you to the center of hell."
"Sir, please stand opposite me."
"Doctor, I invite you to the deepest part of hell."
"No, sir, such an elegant palace should be reserved for people of your status!" Say that finish, barrow shrugged and walked away.