The fifteen puzzle, a classic sliding tile game, found its earliest mathematical proof of solvability through the analytical work of William Woolsey Johnson. Born in Owego in 1841, he dedicated his career to the rigorous study of differential calculus and mechanics, shaping the foundational academic structures of mathematics within the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Early Career and Education
Johnson completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University between 1858 and 1862. His initial professional engagement began immediately following graduation at the United States Nautical Almanac Office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he served from 1862 to 1864. This early exposure to applied mathematics prepared him for a lifelong commitment to teaching and research across various academic institutions.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Academic Appointments
His tenure in academia spanned multiple institutions, beginning with his first term at the United States Naval Academy in Newport and Annapolis from 1864 to 1870. He transitioned to Kenyon College in 1870, followed by a period at St. John's College in Annapolis starting in 1872. By 1881, he returned to the United States Naval Academy, where he remained until his retirement in 1921. His final academic post was held at Johns Hopkins University in 1921.
Mathematical Contributions
Johnson is recognized for his focus on differential calculus, specifically employing the method of related rates in his teaching and publications. His work reached beyond standard classroom instruction, contributing to the development of the Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society. He served on the council for the society between 1892 and 1893. His research interests were broad, encompassing octonary numeration, the laws of motion, and non-Euclidean geometry.
Institutional Memberships
Beyond his direct service to American institutions, Johnson maintained active membership in several prominent organizations dedicated to the advancement of science. These included the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the British Science Association, the London Mathematical Society, and The New York Mathematical Society. He reached the military rank of commodore during his long career.
Fast facts
- Born: 1841, Owego
- Died: 1927, Baltimore
- Education: Yale University (1858-1862)
- Primary Field: Differential Calculus
- Military Rank: Commodore
- Burial Site: Woodlawn Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum
Questions readers ask
What is William Woolsey Johnson best known for?
He is credited with providing the first mathematical proof regarding the conditions of solvability for the 15 puzzle and for his textbooks on differential calculus.
Which professional societies did he join?
He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the British Science Association, the London Mathematical Society, and The New York Mathematical Society.
Achievements
- Held posts at US Nautical Almanac Office, United States Naval Academy and Kenyon College
- Fields: mathematics and differential calculus
.jpg)
