Peter Barlow (mathematician)

Peter Barlow ( born October 13, 1776 in Norwich, † March 1, 1862 in Kent ) was a British mathematician and physicist.

Life

In 1806 he got on the recommendation of a lectureship (assistant mathematical master) at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich ( London). Later he was promoted from the Royal Military Academy as professor of mathematics.

1811 Peter Barlow published his first book on number theory under the title " Elementary Investigation of the Theory of Numbers". In the years 1823-1833 he worked a lot in the areas of magnetism and electricity. In 1822 he developed named after him Barlow wheel, the first unipolar. In 1825, he received the Medal of Honor of the Royal Society of London.

In 1827 he started with optical experiments. Then he designed special lenses for astronomical telescopes. With George Dollond he developed achromatic diverging lenses, which are also known as Barlow lens. In 1833 Barlow combined crown and flint glass for its lenses. He studied at a later time and more with the steam locomotive. His sons Peter W. Barlow and William Henry Barlow were respected engineers in the 19th century.

Writings

• Elementary Investigation of the Theory of Numbers (1811 )
• New Mathematical and Philosophical Dictionary ( 1814)
• Essay on the Strength and Stress of Timber and other material ( 1817)
• Essay on Magnetic Attractions (1820 )