Andrew Searle Hart was a prominent nineteenth-century mathematician whose work in geometry earned him a permanent place in the mathematical canon through the identification of the Hart circle. Born in Limerick in 1811, he dedicated his career to Trinity College, Dublin, where he transitioned from a student to a Senior Fellow and eventually served as Vice-Provost.
Academic Foundation at Trinity
Hart entered Trinity College, Dublin in 1828, following his earlier education at Foyle College. He was elected a fellow of the university in June 1835, marking the start of a tenure that lasted until his death. By 1840, he had earned both LL.B. and LL.D. degrees. From 1847 until 1858, he held the position of Donegall Lecturer in Mathematics, contributing to the institution’s rigorous approach to the field during the mid-nineteenth century.
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His primary research focused on geodesic lines and the geometry of curves, often published in the Cambridge and Dublin Mathematical Journal. In 1861, he published a paper regarding the extension of Terquem's theorem. This work introduced the Hart circle, which generalizes Feuerbach's Theorem. The result demonstrates that for three given circles in a plane, a fourth circle can be identified such that all four are touched by four other circles. Beyond his theoretical geometry, he authored technical treatises on mechanics and hydrostatics.
Institutional and Administrative Role
Beyond his research, Hart served as Professor of Real and Personal Property at King's Inns. He held co-opted Senior Fellow status at Trinity from 1858 and became Vice-Provost in 1876. In this senior role, he often managed the provost's duties for Humphrey Lloyd. He also participated in the college’s political engagements, notably leading a delegation to London in 1873 to oppose the Irish University Bill.
Final Years and Legacy
In 1886, Hart was awarded a Knight Bachelor by Lord Carnarvon at Dublin Castle. He remained deeply involved with the Irish Church throughout his life, serving in the general synod. He passed away on 13 April 1890 while staying at Kilderry, County Donegal. He was buried at the Church of St. John the Baptist cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1811, Limerick, Ireland
- Died: 13 April 1890, Kilderry
- Education: Foyle College and Trinity College, Dublin
- Key Appointment: Vice-Provost, Trinity College, Dublin
- Notable Recognition: Knight Bachelor (1886)
- Primary Field: Mathematics, Logic & Foundations
- Notable Work: Hart circle
Questions readers ask
What is the Hart circle?
It is a specific circle described in Hart's 1861 theorem that generalizes Feuerbach's Theorem by involving a fourth circle that relates to three existing ones.
Where did Andrew Searle Hart spend his professional career?
He spent his entire professional life at Trinity College, Dublin, where he served as a mathematician, lecturer, and later as Vice-Provost.
Achievements
- Knight Bachelor — 1886
- Notable work: Hart circle
- Held posts at Trinity College, Dublin
- Fields: mathematics
