Robert Recorde

About

Welsh physician, mathematician, and author of mathematics textbooks. He is famous for inventing the equals symbol. His books included The Whetstone of Witte which had an introduction to algebra and used his new symbol "=".

Before Fame

He was educated at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. He taught mathematics at both universities before moving to London in 1547 to practice medicine. 

Trivia

In 1549, he was appointed comptroller of the Bristol Mint. He published books including The Ground of Artes, which had a section for merchants on using the abacus. He also published a book about geometry, Pathwaie to Knowledge.

Family Life

His parents were Thomas and Rose Recorde. 

Associated With

He was a physician to Edward VI and to Queen Mary, to whom some of his books are dedicated.