William Whiston occupied the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1702 until 1711, succeeding Isaac Newton in the role. Beyond his scientific output, he attained lasting recognition for his English translations of the works of Josephus and his influential, albeit contentious, theological writings regarding the doctrine of the Trinity.
Academic Foundation
Born in 1667 in Norton Juxta Twycross, Whiston received his early education at the Tamworth school before entering Clare College, Cambridge, in 1686. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1690 and became a Fellow of the college the following year. By 1693, he had been ordained as an Anglican cleric. He served in the Diocese of Norwich from 1694 until 1698, later accepting a living as a rector in Lowestoft.
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Whiston’s relationship with Isaac Newton began in 1694. Despite initially finding Newton’s lectures difficult to grasp, he mastered the Principia mathematica and became a staunch proponent of his ideas. In 1701, he resigned his parochial duties to serve as Newton’s deputy at Cambridge. During his tenure as Lucasian Professor, he collaborated with Roger Cotes on experimental philosophy and published works such as A New Theory of the Earth.
Religious Controversy
Whiston’s career faced a dramatic decline due to his vocal rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity, which he argued possessed pagan origins. He dismissed the concept of eternal torment in hellfire as an insult to divine nature. These unorthodox views led to his expulsion from the University of Cambridge in 1710, marking a permanent break with the academic and religious establishment.
Historical and Scientific Legacy
After leaving Cambridge, Whiston turned his attention to history and navigation, notably contributing to the development of the Longitude Act in 1714. His scholarly translations of the Antiquities of the Jews established him as a significant historian. He spent his final years in the United Kingdom, passing away in 1752 at Lyndon Hall, and was buried at the Church of St Martin.
Fast facts
- Born: 1667, Norton Juxta Twycross
- Died: 1752, Lyndon Hall
- Education: Clare College, Cambridge
- Lucasian Professor of Mathematics: 1702–1711
- Primary Fields: Physics, Mathematics, Theology
- Burial site: Church of St Martin
Questions readers ask
Why was William Whiston expelled from the University of Cambridge?
He was expelled in 1710 due to his public denial of the doctrine of the Trinity and his vocal support for Arianism.
What is Whiston's most enduring scholarly contribution?
He is widely recognized for his translations of the works of Josephus, which remain in print today.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Cambridge, Clare College and Anglican Diocese of Norwich
- Fields: mathematician
