Quotations

John Wallis


View the biography of John Wallis


Whereas Nature does not admit of more than three dimensions ... it may justly seem very improper to talk of a solid ... drawn into a fourth, fifth, sixth, or further dimension.
Algebra
Quamquam enim hanc spes non exigua visa est affulsisse, lubricus tamen quem prae manibus habemus Proteus tam hic quam superius non raro elapsus, spem fefellit.
[Although no small hope seemed to shine, what we have in hand is slippery, like Proteus, who, in the same way, often escaped, and disappointed hope.]
On squaring the circle.
Dr. Wallis defines mechanicks to be the geometry of motion, a mathematical science, which shews the effects of powers, or moving forces, so far as they are applied to engines, and demonstrates the laws of motion.
From Dr Johnson's Dictionary
Mathematicks, (at that time, withus) was scarce looked upon as Academical Studies, but rather Mechanical; as the business of Traders, Merchants,, Seamen, Carpenters, Suveyors of Lands, or the like; and perhaps Almanack-makers in London ... For the study of Mathematicks was more cultivated in London than in the Universities.