The Taylor circle remains a notable result in geometry, bearing the name of the British mathematician who navigated both academic rigour and significant personal adversity. His career spanned the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, encompassing roles in legal practice, municipal government, and pedagogical advancement, while he successfully bridged the gap between complex mathematical theory and practical, accessible notation.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Born in Bristol in 1842, Taylor attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School before matriculating at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1861. He completed his studies there in 1865, distinguishing himself by graduating as 3rd Wrangler. Following his graduation, he accepted a position at the Royal School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, where he taught from 1865 until 1869. During this period, he also began his transition into the legal profession, working at Lincoln's Inn between 1869 and 1874.
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Taylor maintained a long-term professional association with Trinity College, serving on its staff from 1869 to 1894. His primary mathematical output is centered on the Taylor circle, an entity that earned him recognition within the broader scientific community. This work contributed to the rigorous mathematical climate of the late nineteenth century. In 1898, his contributions were formally acknowledged through his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Braille Innovation
In 1894, while working on an edition of Euclid for Cambridge University Press, Taylor lost his sight. Rather than abandoning his scholarly pursuits, he developed an innovative Braille notation specifically for mathematics and chemistry. By 1917, he perfected this system with the aid of Mr. Emblen, a staff member from the National Institute for the Blind. This notation gained broad acceptance, becoming the standard for English-speaking users until the later adoption of Nemeth Braille and Unified English Braille.
Public Service and Legacy
Beyond his mathematical and legal endeavors, Taylor participated in public administration. He served on the Cambridge City Council and held the office of Mayor of Cambridge from 1900 to 1901. He remained in Cambridge until his death on 16 October 1927. He is buried at the Ascension Parish Burial Ground alongside his mother, Eliza Taylor, née Johnson.
Fast facts
- Born: 1842, Bristol
- Died: 16 October 1927, Cambridge
- Education: Trinity College (1861-1865)
- Professional roles: Mathematician, barrister, editor
- Fellowship: Royal Society (1898)
- Public office: Mayor of Cambridge (1900-1901)
- Notable work: Taylor circle
- Burial site: Ascension Parish Burial Ground
Questions readers ask
What did Henry Martyn Taylor contribute to Braille?
He developed a comprehensive Braille notation for advanced mathematical and chemical scientific work.
What position did he hold in local government?
He served as the Mayor of Cambridge from 1900 to 1901.
Achievements
- Fellow of the Royal Society — 1898
- Notable work: Taylor circle
- Held posts at Royal School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Lincoln's Inn and Trinity College
