Barrow, Isaac (1630–77)

Isaac Barrow was a mathematician and theologian who spent most of his successful academic lifetime in Cambridge. He was a professor of Greek and of geometry, and the first Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. Resigning the latter chair, he was succeeded by his student, friend, and colleague Isaac Newton. Barrow produced influential research in optics and mathematics. Precise evaluation of his role in the development leading to the calculus of Leibniz and Newton has been the subject of controversy. Barrow has also been much admired for his many sermons.